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Rural Areas in Mississippi May Pose Greatest Risk of Serious Car Crashes

Most people presume that the greatest risk of being involved in a serious car accident is in the biggest cities within Mississippi because of increased traffic congestion.  This belief is the reason many drivers speed in rural areas because they have a false sense of security about the likelihood of being involved in a collision because there are fewer vehicles on the road.  Ironically, these intuitive feelings that many have are not supported by auto accident data.  Car accidents are more common in rural areas and the resulting injuries from such accidents are also more severe.

Although only about a quarter of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, these areas account for well over half of all auto accidents in the U.S according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  There are a number of reasons that may contribute to this counterintuitive result including the following:

  • Drivers in rural areas tend to drive at higher rates of speed
  • An Increased risk of alcohol impaired drivers in rural areas
  • Drivers in rural areas may be less attentive or vigilant
  • Rural areas may promote driver fatigue or drowsy drivers

Speeding is a substantial risk factor linked to the increased accident risk in rural areas. The lack of traffic congestion in rural areas is a double-edged sword.  While there are fewer drivers and vehicles with which to contend, the average speed of traffic is greater meaning that drivers can more easily lose control of their vehicle and have less response time when confronted with a potential auto accident hazard.  According to NHTSA data, speeding was a significant factor in 33% of all rural car accidents.

Drivers who operate their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol also play a major part in the high accident rates associated with urban areas.  Alcohol was a factor in 13 percent more rural accidents then accidents in urban centers.  Because high rates of speed and alcohol impaired driving are common causes of accident fatalities, it is hardly surprising that 57 percent of fatal car accidents occur in rural areas though only 23 percent of the U.S. population resides in rural area.

The sparse volume of traffic and extended stretches with little need to alter speed or direction on rural stretches of roadway can lead to inattention or fatigue.  Because drivers must be alert because of traffic congestion and obstacles in urban centers they are more likely to remain alert and sharp for potential hazards.  This is supported to some degree by data that shows night driving also is more dangerous in rural areas. If you or a loved one has been injured or you have lost a loved one in a Mississippi car accident, the experienced Mississippi car accident lawyers represent clients throughout Mississippi so call us today for a free no obligation initial case evaluation at (662) 834-2376.  Our law firm has roots that reach back over 75 years helping car accident victims in Mississippi just like you.

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What To Do After A Mississippi Car Accident

Car accidents, even minor ones, can be very unsettling to both drivers. Know in advance what to do in the event of an accident. Your primary concerns should be the safety and well-being of all parties, and taking steps to protect your interests in the aftermath. Here are a few steps that will help you respond appropriately.

Safety First

If anyone involved in the accident sustained injuries, call 911 immediately. Don’t try to move someone with injuries or allow yourself to be moved. Paramedics can determine the extent of injuries and move victims without causing more harm to the victim. Leave the vehicles where they are if there were injuries or the physical damage to the vehicles was extensive. Otherwise, move the cars off the road to a safe place. Be careful when exiting the vehicle, doing so on the side away from traffic.

For the Record

Call the police to report the incident. In some areas, the police respond only to serious accidents, so give them the basic facts and ask for instructions. Whether the policy of local police is to respond or not, you will need to exchange information with the driver of the other vehicle. Get their name, address and phone numbers, insurance information and license plate number. Provide your information as well.

Take pictures of both cars and any other evidence you can, such as skid marks or rubble from the damage. Use the camera from your cell phone if you have one. Alternatively, some drivers buy a disposable camera and keep in the glove compartment specifically for this purpose.

What To Avoid

When speaking to the police and to the other driver and/or passengers, cite only the facts. Do not admit or imply guilt, by apologizing, for example. The shock and anxiety people often experience following a collision, even a minor one, color your perspective, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to feel it was their fault in the immediate aftermath of an accident, even when it wasn’t. This is important, because in many states, liability is decided under a system called comparative negligence. This system recognizes that in a lot of cases, both parties had at least some responsibility for the accident. Admitting guilt at the scene could affect how much liability you are later assigned.

After the Fact

Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident to report the facts. They will need to know when and where the incident occurred and the other driver’s information. They will also ask if a police report was filed and whether any injuries occurred. Don’t offer any additional information. Then, if you feel there is a need, you can contact an attorney, who can advise you whether any additional steps are needed to protect your interests further.

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Teenager Attitudes Toward Near Misses Illustrate Misconception Regarding Accident Causes

Teen drivers continue to be a leading cause of Mississippi car wrecks largely because of their lack of experience behind the wheel.  A recent survey of teen drivers revealed that a full 70 percent of teen drivers admit to a near miss accident.  While it might seem these near miss car accidents provide a learning opportunity for many inexperienced teen motorists, the reality is that many of these teen drivers blame the near miss on other drivers or adverse whether conditions.  Almost half of the teens in the survey admitted being in multiple near misses with more than 40 percent admitting to multiple near misses within the last 12 month period.

The timing of the survey is particularly appropriate because the summer usually is a peak period for teen car accidents.  Teen drivers spend substantially more time on the road during the summer because they are out of school.  While the study is helpful, the data also may provide guidance to issues that lead to teen accidents in Mississippi.  A full 55 percent of the time teenagers in the survey who had experienced a near miss blamed it on the other driver or adverse weather.  By way of comparison, teen drivers admitted to engaging in conduct that causes a substantial number of Mississippi car accidents far less frequently:

  • Speeding 9 percent of the time
  • Distraction by passengers 6 percent of the time
  • Texting while driving 2 percent of the time

Based on actual accident rates, these low numbers associated with some of the leading causes of teen car accidents seem unrealistic.  This data suggests that perhaps teen drivers might benefit from education efforts designed to make teen drivers more aware of the dangers of speeding and distracted driving, which are regarded by most traffic safety experts as leading causes of teen accidents.

A prior 2009 study conducted on behalf of Allstate Insurance found that 48 percent of boys and 36 percent of girls admitted to speeding or otherwise driving aggressively.  In teen auto accidents, 39 percent of males and 24 percent of females were speeding.  Government data indicates that distracted driving kills as many as 4,000 teenage drivers per year.

The stark contrast between the near miss auto accident data in the recent survey of teenage drivers and longstanding data on the leading causes of teen driving car accidents in Mississippi and throughout the U.S. reveal a sense of disconnect between teenager attitudes and the real causes behind teen auto accidents.  While no tolerance teen alcohol policies and graduated drivers license programs have helped alleviate Mississippi auto accidents, it appears more education of teens regarding the leading causes of teen accidents might be an important tool in the efforts to curb teen driving fatalities.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or suffered wrongful death in a car accident involving a teen driver, the experienced Mississippi teen car accident attorneys at the Barrett Law Office may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries or loss.  Our Mississippi car accident law firm has been representing those who suffer personal injury or wrongful death in Mississippi car crashes since 1933 so call us today at (662) 834-2376.

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