Marvin Graves, 55, of Pilot Grove, Missouri, and Bernard Lohr, 67, of Boonville, Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 7th, 2010 on Missouri Route 135 just mile south of Interstate 70. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Lohr was driving a 2001 Ford and pulled into the path of a 2003 Pontiac driven by Graves.
Graves was taken by Cooper County Ambulance to Cooper County Memorial for treatment of his injuries. A passenger in Graves' vehicle, Jenny Lawson-Choate, 38 of Boonville, Missouri sustained minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene.
According to the Missouri 2008 Traffic Safety Compendium published by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, 17% of crashes involving drivers over the age of 55 were caused by inattention, such as pulling in front of another vehicle.
Inattentive drivers is just one of the many dangers people face on the road, and while you can't change how other people drive, you can help protect yourself by wearing a seat belt and making sure everyone in your vehicle does too. Here are a few tips for seat belt safety:
- Always wear your seat belt every time you get in the car, no matter the distance of your trip.
- Wear your seat belt properly, with shoulder and lap belts in the proper position.
- Do not share seat belts. Use one seat belt per person.
- Inspect your seat belts for wear, tear and mechanical malfunction.
- Make sure children are buckled in to car seats or boosters appropriate for their age and weight.
