The Scope of the Problem
Mississippi faces significant challenges with distracted driving, which continues to be a leading cause of accidents across the state. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), distracted driving contributed to approximately 16% of all traffic fatalities in the state in recent years. In 2023, Mississippi recorded over 500 fatalities in traffic accidents, with a substantial portion linked to driver distraction. The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) reports that:
- Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times. (Texting while driving may be more dangerous than drinking while driving.
- The average text takes a driver's eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds, equivalent to driving blind for the length of a football field at 55 mph.
- Young drivers aged 16-24 are the demographic most likely to be involved in distraction-related crashes.
- Rural roads in Mississippi, which make up most of the state's highway system, see a disproportionate number of distraction-related crashes compared to urban areas.
I would ask everyone reading this article this one question: On the way to work, or riding around, how many people do you see on the phone while driving? When I was a kid, to pass the time on a long road trip, we would count things. We would see who could count the greatest number of red cars, or the most tags from a particular state. Why not play that game one day? Let’s each count in one day the number of times we see people on their phone while they are driving!
Mississippi's Distracted Driving Laws
Mississippi has taken legislative steps to combat distracted driving, but many safety advocates argue they don't go far enough. In 2015, Mississippi enacted the "Nathan's Law," which prohibits passing a stopped school bus and increased penalties for violations, partly addressing distracted driving around school zones. The Mississippi Texting Ban (effective July 1, 2015) prohibits texting and social media use while driving. (How well has this worked?). Current penalties include a $100 fine for violations, increasing to $500 by 2025. Mississippi still lacks a comprehensive hands-free law that some neighboring states have implemented. Do we not have a hands-free law because we are all addicted to our phones?
State-Led Prevention Efforts
The Mississippi Department of Transportation has implemented initiatives to reduce distracted driving:
MDOT's "Pay Attention or Pay a Fine" Campaign
This public awareness campaign uses billboards, radio spots, and social media to highlight the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. The campaign specifically targets:
- Texting while driving
- Eating while driving
- Adjusting music or GPS
- Attending to children or pets in the vehicle
Driver Education Programs
Mississippi has enhanced its driver education curriculum, particularly for inexperienced drivers, to emphasize the dangers of distraction. The Mississippi Department of Education, in partnership with MDOT, has implemented mandatory distracted driving education modules in driver's education courses, simulator programs that demonstrate the effects of distraction, and peer-to-peer education programs in high schools.
Enhanced Law Enforcement
The Mississippi Highway Patrol has increased enforcement efforts with:
- Dedicated distracted driving enforcement periods.
- Unmarked vehicles specifically target distracted drivers.
- Increased patrols in high-crash corridors identified through data analysis.
Community-Based Initiatives
Several grassroots and community-based efforts have emerged across Mississippi:
"Drive Safe Mississippi"
This nonprofit organization, founded by families who lost loved ones to distracted driving crashes, conducts school presentations featuring personal stories of loss, community workshops on safe driving practices and advocacy for stronger distracted driving legislation. I do not know if this group wields the same power as MADD has had in the past but let there be more high profile distracted driving deaths, and this may become a powerful force pressuring the Legislature.
Corporate Responsibility Programs
Several Mississippi-based companies have implemented policies prohibiting employee phone use while driving company vehicles and incentivize distraction-free driving through technology that blocks phone use in moving vehicles, safe driving competitions with rewards, clear policies with consequences for distracted driving in company vehicles.
I have always thought that technology which blocks phone use in a moving vehicle is a clever idea, if it could apply only to the driver. I do not think that is possible, but the day may come where it is possible. Technology is moving faster than we can imagine.
The Impact of Technology
While technology is often part of the distraction problem, it's also part of the solution:
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has endorsed several mobile apps that disable notifications while driving.
- Insurance companies offer discounts to Mississippi drivers who use tracking technology that monitors phone use.
- Vehicle manufacturers incorporating driver attention monitoring systems in newer models.
The Road Ahead: What More Can Be Done
Despite current efforts, traffic safety experts in Mississippi recommend:
- Strengthening legislation to create a comprehensive hands-free law.
- Increasing fines and penalties to create stronger deterrents.
- More funding for public awareness campaigns specifically targeted at Mississippi's most affected regions and demographics.
- Enhanced data collection to better track and address distracted driving incidents.
- Partnerships between state agencies, private sector, and community organizations to create a unified approach.
Conclusion
Distracted driving remains one of the most significant yet preventable causes of injuries and fatalities on Mississippi roads. While the state has made progress through legislation, enforcement, and education, the statistics indicate there is still substantial work to be done. By combining stronger laws, enhanced enforcement, improved education, and leveraging technology, Mississippi can continue to make progress in reducing distracted driving and making roads safer for all residents.
Sources: Mississippi Department of Transportation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Note: For the most current statistics, you should contact these agencies directly as data may have been updated since the writing of this article.