These Are Mississippi’s 7 Most Crash-Prone Roads

Have you been in a car crash in Mississippi recently? You’re not alone.

Thousands of drivers are in serious car accidents per year, especially on seven of the most dangerous roads in Mississippi. With the average fatality rate in Mississippi being 20% higher than the next deadliest state, it is important that you have the knowledge and help you need to stay safe.

Mississippi is the most dangerous state to be a driver, and our team of experienced Mississippi car accident lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve after your accident. To learn more about Mississippi’s dangerous roads and how our team can help after a crash, keep reading.

Mississippi’s 7 Most Dangerous Roads: Where and Why?

Mississippi is home to some of the most dangerous roads in the nation. The reasons for the danger are complex: Winding country roads tend to have more hazards, like trees, loose gravel, and less law enforcement present. And when accidents do happen, it can take longer for emergency responders to get to the scene of the crash.

While an accident can happen anywhere, there are seven highway locations that are considered the most crash-prone in the state, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

1. US-98/Hardy Street, Hattiesburg

Topping the list at 7,649 crashes between the years of 2010-2014, this highway is surrounded by potential causes for an accident. Running directly into Hardy Street, US-98 is also surrounded by exits for I-59, and a large urban area. Another factor is traffic coming off US-49, a highly trafficked main highway just under two miles away from where Hardy Street begins.

2. MS-25/Lakeland Drive, Jackson

In a close second at 7,229 crashes, MS-25/Lakeland Drive winds through both urban and rural areas. MS-25 runs through 13 cities in Mississippi and has 150 miles of four-lane divided highway. This mix of surroundings makes this road more dangerous, combining the high traffic of urban stretches with the high-speed rural environment. According to the CDC, rural roads are the most dangerous places to drive in Mississippi, with 98% of traffic fatalities occurring on rural roads in 2016.

3. MS-302/Goodman Road, Memphis

Just outside of a major city, Memphis, MS-302/Goodman Road intersects with six major highways, so it’s no wonder that this road had 6,909 crashes between 2010-2014. But, the most dangerous part of this road is how much of it runs through rural areas, making it much harder to for law enforcement to patrol, and emergency responders to get to.

4. US-90/Bienville Blvd, Biloxi

Running along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, US-90/Bienville Blvd is a scenic route that runs from one side of Mississippi to the other. The length of this highway alone explains the 4,209 crashes it experienced between 2010-2014. Its route through coastal town also increases its traffic numbers and chances for incident.

5. US-45, Meridian

Total length is also the cause of US-45’s 2,287 crashes. Running from the top of the state directly into Mobile, US-45 passes through rural and urban areas alike. As one of the longest stretches of road in the state, it’s no wonder it’s also considered one of the most dangerous.

6. US-49, Hattiesburg

Another top-to-bottom highway, US-49 pass through 10 rural counties and 17 cities in Mississippi. Out of its 2,192 crashes, 32.3% resulted in an injury, with a total of 708 injuries and 11 fatalities from 2010-2014. US-49 also intersects with US-98/Hardy St., the number one most dangerous road on our list.

7. US-51, Jackson

Running from Mississippi to Illinois, US-51 goes through small towns, big cities, and rural areas alike. This variety of location increases the chances of accidents through difficulties enforcing and traffic volume, resulting in 1,552 crashes from 2010-2014.

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What You Should Do After a Mississippi Car Crash

After a car accident, it is important that you take the proper steps to strengthen your case and protect your well-being. At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we are committed to the safety of our community and work hard to ensure injured people, like Lisa, have the resources they need. It’s hard to know what the first step is, so below are some of the first steps to take after getting in an accident:

• Call first responders to get immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Even minor injuries, after an assessment from a medical professional could turn out to be serious.
• File a police report. Making sure there is documentation of your incident strengthens your case and ensures your side of the story is told correctly.
• If possible, exchange contact information with the other driver, including insurance information and driver’s license.
• Take as many photos of the scene as safely possible. Make sure you are taking photos from different angles and distances. The more details, the better.
• If you are able, get the names and contact details of any potential witnesses to the scene.
• Call Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys for help. We are here to help you understand the insurance claims process, help organize your medical bills, and more.

Contact Our Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers Today

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our goal is to make sure you get the justice you deserve after your car crash. Our experienced team of Biloxi, Mississippi car accident lawyers are ready to handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more. To schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys, please give us a call at (228) 888-8888 or complete our online form.

References

Larrison, C. (2018, July 3). Why Mississippi is the deadliest place to drive a car. Mississippi Today. Retrieved from https://mississippitoday.org/2018/07/03/why-mississippi-is-the-deadliest-place-to-drive-a-car/

Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center. (2017, August 15). Statistical Analysis of Vehicle Crashes in Mississippi Based on Crash Data from 2010 to 2014. Fayetteville, AR: Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center. Retrieved from https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/32816

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.