Top 5 Causes for Car Accidents in Mississippi

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.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving—whether a driver is distracted by a passenger, a roadway attraction, an incoming text, or their social media feed—causes thousands of accidents every year nationwide. Many drivers mistakenly believe that texting is the only cause of distracted driving accidents, but any time a driver takes their focus away from the road, they are placing lives at risk. Mere seconds can cause a deadly crash.

Distracted walking is another issue that’s becoming increasingly common as we become more dependent on our smartphones. Even pedestrians need to be aware of the dangers of being distracted while walking along busy streets or when approaching crosswalks.

Disobeying Mississippi Traffic Laws

Signs are posted along our highways for a reason. When a driver fails to follow posted signs, use turn signals, or give other drivers the proper right-of-way, this can lead to an accident. Even if it may seem safe to “get away” with disobeying a law once, it’s never a good idea to do so. You never know when a car or pedestrian will suddenly approach.

Driving Too Fast for Conditions

It is generally safe to follow the flow and speed of traffic, but in poor weather conditions or in unfamiliar areas/poor visibility, it’s better for Mississippi drivers to slow down and stay cautious rather than cause an unnecessary crash by driving too fast. Many of our state’s accidents occur during adverse weather conditions. It pays to remain cautious and keep an eye out for slippery or unsafe conditions.

Vehicle Defects

Defective vehicles are often unsafe to drive and can cause accidents. This is also true of vehicles that aren’t properly maintained or need repair. If you have a vehicle that needs repairs, you may be better off carpooling with a friend or utilizing other means of transportation until you can guarantee that the vehicle is safe for driving.

Most of the above causes are completely preventable with the practice of safe driving techniques. If all of Mississippi’s drivers learned to drive responsibly, obey the laws of traffic, and not take unneeded risks, our roadways would be guaranteed to have less accidents.

If, unfortunately, you’ve already been involved in a car crash that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you should know that you do have legal options. Contact Corban Gunn, Biloxi, MS car accident lawyer, for a zero-obligation consultation. Filing a car crash lawsuit can help you recover medical costs, loss of wage costs, and more. Our Mississippi law firm can help.