Summer is rapidly approaching which means more vehicles on Mississippi roadways traveling more total miles.  We will probably see an increase in the number of auto accidents on our roadways because of the increase in drivers on vacation excursions.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data reveals that there is an average of 41,000 deaths on the nation’s highways due to auto accidents.  A lot of these accidents can take place in the summer around the holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.  Most of these accidents are totally avoidable.

There are some things that you can do to be pro-active about avoiding auto accidents in Lexington, Jackson, Memphis or elsewhere throughout Mississippi:

  • You should get regular maintenance checks done on your car.  Parts including brake pads wear out.
  • Drivers should always pay attention to the whole roadway and other vehicles rather than simply looking at the car immediately in front of the driver.
  • Safe driving requires making adjustments for changing weather conditions.  If it starts raining, you should slow down. Oil that has accumulated on the road can make the road extremely slippery in wet conditions.
  • Travelers should plan their trip so that they know where you are going and are not trying to study a map or directions.
  • A driver should use his or her flashers and slow down if the driver gets in trouble.
  • Drivers should always remain positive and focused on their driving.  It is never a good idea to become embroiled in a conflict with someone that is expressing road rage because it is both dangerous and unproductive.

Here are some don’ts when it comes to driving safely so that you avoid serious auto accidents on Mississippi roadways:

  • You should NEVER drink and drive.
  • A driver should never speed even though other drivers are exceeding the speed limit. You should simply let other drivers go around you.
  • Many serious auto accidents in Mississippi are caused by not permitting enough following distance.  Tailgating is never a safe practice.  Drivers should always try to maintain at least one car length of distance between themselves and others on the road.
  • You should turn you cell phone off.  Distracted driving is very dangerous so wait until you stop or pull over to the side of the road to talk or text.
  • Safe driving means avoiding erratic driving.  When making maneuvers like changing lanes take your time and look carefully so that you do not cut off other drivers.
  • All drivers should abstain from driving if they are tired or have been taking medications.  Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel are one of the major causes of auto accidents in Lexington, Jackson, Memphis and throughout Mississippi.
  • You should slow down and pay especially careful attention near intersections.  It is a safe driving practice to look both ways even if you have a green traffic light because you cannot assume that other drivers will avoid negligence and stop.

Any driver even one who exercises extreme vigilance and caution can still be involved in a serious Mississippi auto accident.  An auto accident is a stressful and dangerous incident even in the best situation and can frequently result in catastrophic injuries and permanent disability.  An accident as minor as a fender-bender can land you in the emergency room with serious injuries.

It is important that if you are involved in a auto accident on Mississippi roadways that you know your rights.  Auto insurance companies often deny valid auto accident injury claims or offer ludicrously inadequate auto accident injury settlements.  These grossly inadequate settlements may not be sufficient to even cover your medical bills let alone the total value of your damages.  Our Mississippi auto accident attorneys help clients just like you obtain the settlement or judgment that they deserve. We provide relief from the headaches of dealing with insurance companies so that our clients can focus on their recovery and their family.  The Mississippi personal injury attorneys here at the Barrett Law Office in Mississippi can help. Please contact us today for your free no obligation consultation. We will answer your questions and help you during this stressful time.