Missouri DWI Arrests Up in 2024
According to preliminary data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), DWI arrests were up in 2024. The agency’s Troop H division, which covers the St. Joseph area of Missouri, reported 371 DWI arrests last year, compared to 293 in 2023, for an increase of 23%. To help you and your family stay safe on the road, the Missouri car accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group take a look at why impaired driving was up last year and what you should do if you suspect a motorist near you is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Possible Reason Why DWI Arrests Rose Last Year
Although there are many individual circumstances for every accident and every motorist arrest, there are some factors that could explain why Missouri DWI car crashes increased in 2024. The state legalized recreational marijuana and has issued more than 200 dispensary licenses since then. With more people legally partaking in the drug, it stands to reason that there are more people driving under the influence of marijuana.
Marijuana use can lead to car crashes caused by impaired driving and drowsy driving. This is due to the substance slowing reaction time, decreasing hand-eye coordination, distorting perception of time and space, inhibiting decision making, and making it difficult to focus. With more drivers on the road under the influence of alcohol and drugs, it’s not surprising that DWI arrests were up in 2024.
How to Avoid a Suspected Missouri DWI Vehicle
Getting into a car accident involving an impaired driver can be disastrous. Drunk or drugged drivers typically do not drive with the responsiveness and skill they possess when sober. This can lead to automobile crashes that result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Statewide, alcohol and drugs contributed to 164 fatalities in 2024.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious threat to public safety. If you suspect a driver is impaired, taking the right steps can help prevent a potential tragedy. Missouri law enforcement takes these cases seriously, and reporting a suspected Missouri DWI can save lives. Here’s what you should do if you see someone who may be driving under the influence.
First, keep a safe distance from the suspected impaired driver. Drunk or drugged drivers often exhibit erratic behavior such as swerving, excessive speeding, abrupt stops, or ignoring traffic signals. Avoid trying to pass or confront the driver, as impaired individuals can be unpredictable. Instead, maintain a safe following distance while observing their actions.
Next, note key details about the vehicle, including the make, model, color, and license plate number. If possible, take note of the location, direction of travel, and any specific signs of impairment, such as reckless lane changes or delayed reactions. Once you have this information, pull over to a safe location and call 911. Provide the dispatcher with all relevant details so law enforcement can locate and assess the situation.
Never attempt to stop or detain the driver yourself. Your role is to alert authorities, not to engage with an impaired individual. By reporting a Missouri DWI, you allow law enforcement to intervene and prevent potential accidents.
Contact a Top Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, the Missouri car accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group can help you seek justice. Our experienced legal team fights to secure top compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate your case.
You can reach our Missouri injury attorneys by phone at (816) 920-0000 and online through our secure contact form or our LiveChat agents. Patterson Legal Group has helped injury victims throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado receive maximum settlements from insurance companies. Our experienced trial lawyers have recovered more than $250-million in settlements for our clients. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards the legal services that you deserve.
