Public health can take on many different forms. The Center has devoted several projects to covering topics ranging from texting while driving to ATV safety. The content in this section not only includes research and data but also surveys on Mississippian’s opinions on these topics.… Read more...
Tag Archives: Injury Prevention
Hand-Held Mobile Device Use While Driving
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
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
