Holidays are often a time for family gatherings and good times to be had by all. Yet, there remains the issue of getting to a family gathering or celebration. Many other people have the same thought in mind which leads to a build up of traffic during the holidays. More cars mean a higher a chance for automobile accidents.
This recent Memorial Day weekend saw six deaths by way of automobile accidents on Mississippi roadways. The ages of those who died ranged from 22 to 93. It is further proof that everyone is susceptible to tragedy, regardless of age, gender or race.
Many other injuries were also a result of holiday travels as the Mississippi Highway Patrol reported 54 people injured in automobile accidents over the holiday weekend. There were 112 auto accidents investigated, although only one proved to be alcohol related.
Other citations will also mean days in court for quite a few people as 132 DUI citations were issued in Mississippi from Friday to Monday of the 2014 Memorial Day weekend. Seat belt violations were also issued in abundance with 603 going out to violators.
Now, as new holiday weekends approach, travelers are encouraged to not only abide by the rules of the road, but also remember to practice safe driving. Consider the following list of reasons why accidents frequently occur (especially during holidays) in Mississippi:
Distracted Driving
There are a number of reasons a driver’s attention strays from the road. Some of the more popular distractions are as follows:
- Texting while driving
- Paying attention to GPS device
- Talking on phone
- Eating while driving
- Putting on makeup
- Changing radio stations
- Lack of adequate sleep
Driving Unter the Influence
In the state of Mississippi, penalties for DUI convictions are very severe. The following BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) levels are considered to be over the legal limit and warrant a DUI arrest in the state of Mississippi:
- Driver under the age of 21 – .02%
- Driver 21 years of age or older – .08%
- Commercial Drivers – .04%
Aggressive Driving
The maximum speed limit on highways in the state of Mississippi is 75 mph. That high number can often lead drivers to travel at speeds beyond that limit, making for very dangerous situations. However, speeding is only one form of aggressive driving in which motorists can initiate auto accidents.
According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, aggressive driving occurs when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Some forms of aggressive driving are as follows:
- Tailgaiting
- Frequent changing of lanes
- Failing to use turn signal
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Exhibiting road rage
- Failure to yield
Every year, particularly around the holidays, automobile accidents result in painful and sometimes tragic times for families. There are ways to maintain optimum safety when driving, but drivers cannot control how other people operate behind the wheel. When accidents occur, there are usually common reasons for a crash. That means there is always someone responsible, even for a minor fender bender.
If you or someone you know has been involved in auto accident, the seasoned Mississippi Auto Accident Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC can help. When someone else is at fault in an auto accident, you are the victim. That means you have the right to be compensated. Our reputable and experienced legal team of attorneys can help you build a strategy that can lead to a favorable outcome in your auto accident case. Call us today for a free confidential consultation at (800) 707-9577.