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Every time someone gets behind the wheel, they make choices that affect everyone around them. In Mississippi, far too many drivers take risks that put others in danger. The results are often life-altering—and sometimes, life-ending.
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we’ve seen how one careless moment can shatter a family’s future. We believe knowledge gives people the power to make safer choices and demand accountability when someone else puts them at risk.
Distracted Driving: A Split Second Can Change Everything
Cell phones are the most obvious culprit, but distracted driving goes far beyond texting. Reaching for something, eating, or adjusting the radio all pull a driver’s focus from the road.
According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), the state averages more than 780 roadway deaths each year, with distracted driving among the leading causes. State law bans texting while driving, but hands-free use is still allowed. Many drivers don’t realize that mental distractions can be just as dangerous as physical ones.
Speeding: More Than Just a Ticket
Speeding raises the risk of severe crashes because drivers have less reaction time at higher speeds and need more distance to stop safely. According to the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, Mississippi speeding-related fatalities decreased from 126 in 2020 to 112 in 2021.
Too many drivers continue to push limits, even as traffic deaths remain high. Mississippi law sets speed limits, but drivers are also expected to adjust their driving behaviors for rain, fog, and other hazards. Moving at the posted limit in dangerous conditions can still count as reckless driving.
Seasonal Hazards in the Mid-South
Seasonal shifts in Mississippi often bring dangerous driving conditions. Heavy summer storms, early morning fog, and icy winter bridges all raise the risk of serious accidents, especially on rural highways and overpasses.
Drivers in DeSoto County often underestimate black ice on rural bridges or the flooding risks after a Gulf system pushes through. Hydroplaning is a serious hazard, especially on highways like I-55 and I-69, where high speeds and standing water can be a deadly mix.
Road safety doesn’t stop with the weather. Fall harvest traffic includes slow-moving farm equipment, while summer brings more teen drivers and vacation traffic. Each season introduces new obstacles, and drivers must stay alert and ready to adapt.
When Another Driver Puts You at Risk
You can follow every rule and still get hurt because another driver acted carelessly. Reckless behavior on the road deserves accountability, and injured individuals deserve to be treated with respect and taken seriously.
We don’t believe in treating you like a number or rushing you into a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full impact of your injuries. We believe in getting your case before a jury when that’s what it takes to get fair compensation. You deserve justice, and we’re not afraid to pursue it.
Prevention Starts with Accountability
No one controls other people’s actions or the weather, but every driver controls their own behavior. Some of the most effective prevention strategies are also the simplest:
- Put the phone away. Texts and calls can wait.
- Drive at a safe speed, especially in wet or low-visibility conditions.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Get enough rest before driving. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Maintain your vehicle—brakes, tires, and lights all play a role in safe driving.
Parents and experienced drivers shape road safety by modeling good habits. Young drivers follow those examples and learn how to make smarter choices behind the wheel.
Talk to a Team That Puts People First
If a dangerous driver caused your accident, don’t wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. Talk to someone who will. Our firm serves Southaven, Hernando, and surrounding communities with integrity, compassion, and grit.
Let us help you understand your rights and your next steps. Contact Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman today for a consultation. Our car accident lawyers will listen, we’ll explain your options, and we’ll fight for the outcome you deserve.
