Mississippi is ranked among the top twenty most dangerous states when it comes to motorist safety in the United States. According to the IIHS report in 2021, the state had the highest number of car fatalities per 100,000 people. With the state's interstate highway infrastructure covering about 700 miles, Mississippi is ranked eighth on a list of states with the best highway infrastructure in the nation. However, the developed road infrastructure poses a lot of concern regarding motorist safety. High traffic volume on the road is among the leading factors for the increasing number of fatal crashes in the state.
Additionally, Mississippi is the leading state with teen driving-related fatalities in the United States. The main cause of collisions in the state is drunk driving, followed by distracted driving and speeding.
Additionally, Mississippi is the leading state with teen driving-related fatalities in the United States. The main cause of collisions in the state is drunk driving, followed by distracted driving and speeding.
Some roads in Mississippi are renowned for their high rates of traffic collisions and fatalities. The top five most dangerous roads in the state include:
In the event of an accident, drivers should follow these simple rules to help them maintain road safety and reduce the chances of loss of life and property damage.
If a vehicle becomes immobilized on the road, it can lead to numerous traffic accidents, causing a buildup. After an accident, motorists should try to move the car safely to the side of the road so as not to impede traffic and cause secondary crashes.
Drivers must activate the vehicle's hazard lights upon pulling off the road. Additionally, vehicle operators should deploy flares and safety cones to redirect traffic and notify fellow drivers of an incident ahead, particularly in dark or low visibility conditions. Individuals should position traffic control equipment at a suitable distance from the location, ensuring ample time for other motorists to respond appropriately.
After a collision, the drivers must remain at the scene of the crash until they are advised otherwise. Failure to stop can lead to penalties, including revoking a driver's license, jail time, and or a fine.
The state does not require drivers to notify authorities of a minor traffic incident. However, it is compulsory to inform police about an accident within ten days if it leads to bodily harm, death, or property damage exceeding $250.
Drivers must provide their information when an accident occurs. This information includes their names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers. If the vehicle operator does not own the car, they are expected to provide the owner's name, phone number, and address.
Drivers should also take pictures of the accident if they can. The photos can be used as evidence to identify the cause of the accident and any pre-existing damage to vehicles before the crash.
Motorists should seek legal representation prior to submitting a claim for reimbursement of damages following a collision.
Motorists should keep records of the crash incident. These documents can be used in case of a legal proceeding that relates to the crash.
To ensure that automobile operators and pedestrians are safe on the road, every person in Mississippi should be conversant with the state's driving regulations. Among the essential facts and legislation are the following:
Seatbelt LawThe state requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts while they are in a moving vehicle.
The law also requires vehicle operators to safely secure all children between the ages of four and seven in a booster seat or child safety seat.
Drivers must secure children below four years old in child seats with safety harnesses.
Distracted Driving LawsThe state prohibits drivers from writing, sending, or reading texts, emails, or messages and browsing the internet or social networking sites unless the car is parked or at a complete stop. Using a phone when a vehicle is at a stop sign or a red light is a crime.
However, drivers can use hands-free or voice communication devices to make or receive calls while driving.
Mississippi prohibits drivers with an intermediate license from operating a vehicle while making calls or using hands-free devices.
Teen DriversTeenagers 15 years old or older are eligible to acquire a learning permit at their local driving examiner.
Drivers with a learner's permit must operate a vehicle supervised by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older and must sit in the front seat.
To get an intermediate driving license, a teen driver must hold a learning permit for at least a year without traffic violations. The applicant must also pass a written and visual test.
The state does not have any minimum supervised driving requirement.
For the first six months after getting an intermediate license, novice drivers are not allowed to drive unsupervised from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Headlight LawsEvery car on Mississippi highways must turn on its headlights between sunset and sunrise.
Drivers should turn on their headlights if precipitation or weather conditions require turning on windshield wipers.
Drivers should also turn on their headlights if road visibility decreases to less than 500 feet ahead when driving.
MotorcyclistsThe legal riding age for a motorcycle is 15 years, and teenage operators must have a Mississippi driver's license or a motorcycle learner's permit.
In Mississippi, all riders are expected to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.
All passengers on a motorcycle must wear a helmet at all times.
Lane splitting is prohibited in Mississippi; drivers must reduce speed and wait for a clear lane before passing, even if there appears to be enough space between vehicles.
Impaired DrivingDrivers aged 21 or older must have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) lower than .08% to operate a vehicle.
Truck, bus, and commercial drivers should have a BAC lower than .04% to operate vehicles.
Minor drivers who are under 21 years old should have a BAC level below .02% to drive.
The state mandated that drivers should not operate a vehicle if they are under the influence of any controlled substance.
Lane CampingIn Mississippi, drivers are only to use the left lane on a multi-lane road to overtake and pass other vehicles.
Drivers cannot drive continuously on the left lane if they impede traffic flow.
Mississippi also has uncommon and weird driving laws that are unique to the state. Some of these laws include: