Tag Archives: Distracted Driving

Hand-Held Mobile Device Use While Driving

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Research shows distracted driving increases the risk of a motor vehicle crash, the top cause of death for Mississippians under 45 years of age. Despite known risks, many people continue to use mobile devices while driving, a leading cause of driver distraction. To address this growing problem, in 2015, the Mississippi Legislature enacted a ban on texting and accessing social networking sites while driving. This law will expire in 2018, unless it is reauthorized by the Legislature.

In 2017, the … Read more...

Distracted Driving in Mississippi

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In 2014, the Center for Mississippi Health Policy developed an Issue Brief that summarized the available evidence related to distracted driving and outlined policy considerations.

KEY FINDINGS

  • One out of every twelve motor vehicle crash-related deaths in Mississippi is distraction related.
  • Texting drivers are at high risk of experiencing a dangerous traffic event — 23 times the risk of those not driving distracted.
  • The estimated medical care cost for moderate to severe crash-related injuries in 2011 in Mississippi was $38.6
… Read more...

Distracted Driving in Mississippi, 2010

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Distracted driving is a common occurrence in Mississippi, with three-quarters of current adult drivers reporting they have talked on a cell phone while driving, and one-third admitting they have read, written, or sent a text message while driving.  The number of people reporting riding with a driver who was distracted is much higher.  Almost nine out of ten (88.6%) adults told researchers they had been a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone talking on a cell phone, and more … Read more...