Roadways all over the country can be dangerous. Negligent, distracted and aggressive drivers can present challenges to other drivers steering down any street or highway. Those challenges exist in every state, although the state of Mississippi presents more danger than any other place in the United States. In fact, t has been a place where auto accident deaths have always ranked very high.
The state of Mississippi has historically received the unwanted distinction of being one of the most dangerous places to drive in all of America. In a 2012 study conducted by The Trust for America’s Health, Mississippi ranked as the No.1 most dangerous place to drive in all of the United States. Specifically, Mississippi routinely leads the country in auto accident fatalities every year. Recent numbers have shown that there are an average of 26.7 auto accident deaths per 100,000 in Mississippi per year. The lifetime medical costs that result from auto accident injuries have been reported at $7.15 million.
Part of the reason for such a high number of accidents has to do with the struggling economy in Mississippi. Not all cars on the road in Mississippi are equipped with the most optimum safety features necessary to protect drivers. However, there has been a reduction in auto accident fatalities since a mandatory seat belt law was introduced in 2006.
There are also plenty of hazards on the road such as high speed limits which reach as much as 75 mph. There are also a number of unlit and poorly-lit roads in Mississippi which makes driving at night rather difficult. Perhaps the most startling reason for the high number of auto accidents is that text messaging is still not illegal while driving in the state of Mississippi. Efforts have been made to attempt to rectify this problem, but to no avail.
Currently, 43 states have bans on texting and driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Mississippi is not among those 43 states. Mississippi does, however, prohibit texting and driving to those with learner’s permits or intermediate license holders.
The state of Mississippi also ranked very low in having established seat belt laws for all passengers in a vehicle. In a 2014 report released by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Mississippi was severely lacking in laws regarding the primary enforcement of front and rear seat belts. The state of Mississippi has been without laws in the following areas:
- Rear primary enforcement seat belt law
- Booster seat law
- Six of the seven teen driving provisions
- All-driver text messaging restrictions
With some of the laws and driving conditions being so antiquated, there is the need for drivers to be more alert in the state of Mississippi. Passenger deaths are also unusually high in comparison to the rest of the country.
While not all auto accidents end in death, many cause injuries which can make for time out of work, extensive rehabilitation, and a great deal of pain and suffering. Those could all lead to a problematic future and are a direct result of having to combat such dangerous driving conditions in the state of Mississippi. Until the state steps into the 21st century and readjusts some of its laws, there is the grim reality that auto accidents will be a part of everyday life.
If you have been involved in any kind of auto accident, look to the Mississippi Car Accident Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC. Your wellbeing and future is too important to trust to just anyone. Our experienced legal team will provide you with top-notch representation so that you may receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation at (800) 707-9577.