For over the past decade, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of fatal car accidents across the State of Mississippi. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, in 2000, 941 people sustained fatal injuries in vehicle accidents across the State, whereas in 2010, only 641 were killed. Overall, between 2009 (with 700 fatalities) and 2010, there has been an 8.4% decrease in the number of accidents involving death in Mississippi. While these numbers are promising, they still represent an excessively large amount of unnecessary and perhaps preventable accidents. Otherwise stated, Mississippi continues to maintain its reputation as having some of the most dangerous roads in the country.
There are several reasons why an overwhelming number of fatal accidents continue to occur on a yearly basis in Mississippi. Specifically, the State is crisscrossed by various busy roads and interstate highways that are frequented by thousands of cars, trucks and motorcycles on a daily basis. Hence, it is not surprising that the majority of fatal car accidents in Mississippi occur on roadway departures, which is a crash that occurs when a car crosses the edge or centerline of a roadway. Regardless of the cause of a crash, there are certain things you can do to prevent accidents. Although not every collision can be avoided, the following are some safety tips you should consider to maximize your safety while driving:
- Do not speed. As simple as this may sound, speeding is one of the main reasons why accidents turn deadly in Mississippi. As tempting as it may be, follow the speed limit, as it could mean the difference between life and death.
- Always maintain your car, vehicle or truck. Many car accidents are caused by the failure of a driver to keep his or her vehicle in good repair. For example, tire blowouts on trucks, which often result in fatal injuries, could have been avoided had the driver checked his or her tire pressure before departing.
- Do not drink and drive. Do the smart thing and have someone else drive you home should you drink too much. If you must drive, it is always a good idea to avoid drinking before getting behind the wheel or waiting a while to take off in the event you have had a few drinks. Moreover, you can also call a taxi or take a bus to avoid the inherent risks associated with driving while impaired.
- Do not text and drive. Driving while “distracticated” has become a serious issue across the U.S. and accounts for at least 25% of accidents nationwide. This amounts to over 2,500 deaths and more than 250,000 injuries each year to drivers across the country.
For more information, contact us today to learn more about your legal options. We will take the time necessary to investigate the facts of your case and keep you well informed during your case. We look forward to hearing from you.