In 2023, Mississippi reported approximately 732 traffic fatalities from motor vehicle crashes statewide, according to statewide crash records used for safety planning and reporting. The state's traffic fatality rate was about 1.808 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles travelled (VMT), reflecting a relatively high risk of fatal crashes compared with many other states. Annual fatality totals in Mississippi have fluctuated in recent years, including 703 deaths in 2022 and 766 in 2021. In addition to fatalities, the state recorded approximately 3,205 serious traffic injuries in 2023, involving crashes that resulted in critical injuries. Pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for a portion of fatal and serious injury crashes, with roughly 285 non-motorised fatalities and serious injuries reported in 2023. Overall, Mississippi continues to have one of the highest traffic fatality burdens in the U.S. with consistently elevated fatal crash counts and rates each year.
Passenger car occupants accounted for approximately 42% (304 fatalities) of all traffic deaths in Mississippi.
Motorcycle riders represented about 8% (58 fatalities) of the total traffic fatalities.
Occupants of light trucks and SUVs made up roughly 30% (218 fatalities) of all traffic deaths.
Fatalities involving buses and public transportation accounted for around 2% (13 fatalities).
Crashes involving semi or tractor-trailers contributed approximately 3% (22 fatalities).
Pedestrians comprised about 12% (86 fatalities) of the total traffic deaths in Mississippi.
One of the busiest highways in the state and frequently cited as the most dangerous, especially around Jackson due to heavy traffic, merging lanes and truck traffic.
This major east-west interstate sees many crashes near urban areas like Jackson where congestion and complex interchanges increase accident risk.
Known for dangerous curves and high-speed rural sections, with several fatal crashes reported along certain stretches.
This highway records multiple fatalities each year and carries heavy regional traffic through both rural and urban areas.
A high-crash corridor near Hattiesburg where heavy local traffic, intersections and nearby major highways contribute to accidents.
Single-vehicle fatal car accidents occur in rural Mississippi counties.
of fatal car accidents in Mississippi happen in rural areas.
Multiple-vehicle fatal car accidents occur in the Jackson metropolitan area.
of fatal car accidents in Mississippi happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
You Can Legally Drink While Driving (No, Really)
Mississippi is the only state where it's legal to drink while driving. The state does not have open container laws, which means there is no restriction on having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. While there are no restrictions on open alcohol, the state does require drivers to stay under the 0.08 percent blood alcohol content limit to avoid getting a DUI. So, the open container is legal while impairment is not.
Squatted Trucks Are Banned
Squatted trucks are trucks that have their suspension altered to have the front on the pickup truck sit much higher than the back. While it has no practical purpose, this trend has grown in popularity in the South and has caused some safety concerns. Mississippi went so far as making this modification completely illegal. If the front of the trucks are 4 inches or more higher than the rear in the state of Mississippi, this could constitute a serious offense that can end up in a criminal misdemeanour violation.
Blocking Pedestrians from Crossing the Road
In Mississippi, it's illegal to block a pedestrian’s progress by placing a truck in their way. Under Mississippi Code § 97-35-23, violators can be charged with a misdemeanour offense and be punished with up to 4 months in jail and fines up to $500.
Golf Carts Are Road-Illegal
It's illegal to drive a golf cart on public roads within Mississippi state limits, with an exception for some permitted golf carts on certain local roads. The permitted golf carts must have street-legal markers, headlights, tail lights, seat belts, a parking brake and a windshield.
Profane Bumper Stickers Are Technically Illegal
It is illegal to use profanity or profane stickers in public in Mississippi. While the law has been on the books for a long time, it is still very common to see profane bumper stickers on cars all across the state. It appears that this statute is rarely enforced, as some free speech advocates argue that this local law can violate the First Amendment.
Texting While Driving is Banned, While Handling a Mobile Device is Not
While Mississippi has a law making it unlawful to text, email or use social media while driving, unlike most other states, it does not completely restrict the handling of the mobile device while driving on public roads and highways.