Driver strikes another car while reading mail

COLUMBIA — A woman reading her mail while driving struck two teenagers in another car Wednesday at 2:50 p.m, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The driver, identified as 31-year-old Melanie Cochran of Hallsville, failed to stop her 1998 Nissan on Route B, where a 1985 Mercedes was waiting to turn left onto Route HH. Cochran struck the rear of the vehicle.

All involved were wearing seat belts, but both teenagers, Laney Kemper and Alexa Smith, both 16 and of Columbia, sustained minor injuries and were taken to Boone Hospital Center and University Hospital, respectively. Both cars were totaled as a result of the accident.