Car accidents lead to hundreds of deaths every year in Mississippi. Many of these accidents are completely avoidable. By examining the common causes for deadly car crashes in our state, we can discover ways to potentially avoid these crashes and make our roads safer. Even preventing a few accidents can save lives and encourage others to follow the same example.

Here are the top 5 causes for car accidents in Mississippi:

Drunk Driving

Getting behind the wheel while impaired—by either alcohol or drugs—is deadly. According to statistics posted by Mississippi’s Department of Transportation, drunk driving fatalities accounted for 31% of all traffic-related deaths in the state during 2012. This figure hasn’t decreased significantly over the years and remains one of our leading causes of accident fatalities.