The Top Causes of Car Accidents in Mississippi

Driving on Mississippi’s roads can be a beautiful experience, with its expansive landscapes and scenic routes.

However, it’s important to stay vigilant because the state also experiences its fair share of car accidents. Understanding the primary causes of these accidents can help drivers take precautions to stay safe on the road.

Let’s look at some of the top causes of car accidents that we’ve seen at Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, and explore ways to prevent them.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of car accidents in Mississippi, as well as across the United States, is distracted driving. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even engaging with passengers while driving.

Common causes of distracted driving include:

• Cell Phone Use: Texting, talking on the phone, browsing the internet, or using social media while driving are significant distractions. Besides cell phones, using laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices while driving can cause distractions.
• Passengers and Pets: Engaging in conversations or dealing with disruptive passengers can divert a driver’s attention away from the road. Unrestrained pets moving around the vehicle can be a source of distraction for drivers, as well.
• Eating and Drinking: Handling food or beverages while driving can take a driver’s hands off the wheel and eyes off the road.
• Adjusting Controls: Tuning the radio, adjusting climate controls, or programming navigation systems can distract a driver’s focus.
• Daydreaming: Allowing the mind to wander or becoming lost in thought while driving can lead to reduced awareness of the road environment.
• Grooming: Applying makeup, grooming hair, or attending to personal hygiene while driving can impair a driver’s ability to concentrate.
• External Distractions: External factors such as billboards, roadside attractions, or incidents happening outside the vehicle can divert a driver’s attention.
• Reading: Reading maps, books, or documents while driving can take a driver’s eyes off the road for an extended period.

The allure of smartphones and other electronic devices has made this issue more prevalent than ever. Despite laws prohibiting texting and driving in Mississippi, many drivers still engage in this dangerous behavior, putting themselves and others at risk.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving behaviors are common contributors to car accidents in Mississippi. Some drivers exhibit aggression behind the wheel, fueling road rage incidents that escalate into dangerous situations.

Recognizing signs of reckless driving is essential for staying safe on the road. Here are some common indicators that a driver may be engaging in reckless behavior:

• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely, leaving insufficient stopping distance in case of sudden braking.
• Speeding: Driving well above the posted speed limit or racing with other vehicles on the road.
• Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals: Disregarding stop signs, red lights, yield signs, or other traffic signals increases the risk of collisions.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Not yielding to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles when required, leading to potential accidents.
• Aggressive Maneuvers: Making sudden, aggressive maneuvers such as cutting off other drivers, swerving in and out of traffic, or using the shoulder to pass.
• Road Rage: Displaying aggressive behavior towards other drivers, including yelling, honking excessively, or making threatening gestures, escalating tensions on the road.
• Ignoring Safety Precautions: Not wearing seat belts, allowing passengers to ride unrestrained, or neglecting to secure children properly in car seats.

Recognizing these signs and maintaining a safe distance from reckless drivers can help avoid potential accidents and ensure a safer driving experience for everyone on the road. If you encounter a driver exhibiting reckless behavior, it’s essential to stay calm, avoid confrontation, and report their actions to the appropriate authorities if necessary.

Patience and courtesy go a long way in preventing accidents caused by reckless driving. Drivers need to remain calm, follow traffic laws, and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers on the road.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to focus, react quickly, and make sound decisions while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, drowsy driving is often overlooked as a significant cause of car accidents in Mississippi.

Some signs of drowsy driving can include:

• Trouble maintaining focus on the road or frequent blinking can signal fatigue.
• Moments of brief nodding off or having trouble keeping the head upright are red flags for drowsy driving.
• Inattentive driving behavior, such as drifting between lanes or onto rumble strips, suggests that the driver’s concentration is compromised.
• Missing exits, turns, or road signs, despite being familiar with the route, may indicate drowsiness.
• Delayed reactions to traffic signals, sudden braking, or unexpected obstacles are indicators of impaired cognitive function due to fatigue.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or impatient behind the wheel can be signs of fatigue affecting mood and cognitive function.

Long commutes, shift work, and insufficient sleep contribute to driver fatigue, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Recognizing the signs of drowsiness, such as yawning or heavy eyelids, is crucial to the safety of drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Drivers should prioritize getting an adequate amount of rest before embarking on long journeys and take breaks as needed to combat fatigue.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving due to alcohol or drug consumption remains a persistent problem in Mississippi.

2019 (the most recent data available) saw 5,269 DUI arrests and 170 impaired driving-related deaths in Mississippi, 11 of which were minors.

Despite stringent laws, penalties, and widespread awareness campaigns, some individuals continue to get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment, making them a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road.

In Mississippi, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to crack down on drunk and drugged driving through sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols.

Weather Conditions

Mississippi’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers, dense fog, and even occasional snow or ice during the winter months.

These weather conditions can significantly impact road safety, reducing visibility and creating slippery surfaces. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly may find themselves involved in weather-related accidents.

Staying informed about weather forecasts and exercising caution during adverse conditions can help prevent weather-related accidents.

A variety of factors contribute to car accidents in Mississippi, ranging from distracted driving and speeding to impaired driving and adverse weather conditions. By understanding these factors and taking proactive measures to mitigate risks, drivers can help prevent accidents and make the state’s roads safer for everyone.

Remember, safe driving isn’t just a personal responsibility—it’s a commitment to the well-being of all who share the road.

Let’s work together to prioritize safety and reduce the number of car accidents in Mississippi.