Jackson, MS, Car Accident Statistics
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
As with any large city, car accidents are common on Jackson, MS, roads. If you travel in this area regularly, it’s important to be aware of local car accident statistics. This data can provide valuable insights into the frequency, causes, and locations of car accidents in Jackson and its surrounding areas. That’s why the team at NST Law has put together this helpful overview of Jackson car accident statistics.
As Mississippi’s largest city, Jackson is home to nearly 150,000 Mississippians. Jackson and Hinds County are part of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area, a large block of Central Mississippi with more than 590,000 residents. Each year, Jackson typically contributes the most motor vehicle accidents to Mississippi’s totals despite high-profile media campaigns promoting safe driving and seat belt use.Â
At NST Law, our Jackson car accident lawyers take pride in representing injured victims. We understand the complexity of the legal process, and our goal is to make our clients’ lives easier by helping them recover and obtain full compensation for their losses. However, we also know that preventing car accident injuries should be everyone’s goal. Understanding Jackson car accident statistics is vital for promoting safety in our beloved city.Â
Table Of Contents
Overview of Car Accidents in Jackson, MS
According to the Mississippi Department of Health, most recently, 2,456 people suffered injuries in Jackson-area car accident. That same year, Jackson was the site of 48 fatal accidents, which resulted in 53 total fatalities.
Jackson accounts for about seven percent of all car accident deaths in Mississippi. This figure is alarming, considering only five percent of the state’s residents live in Jackson.
Factors Contributing to Jackson-Area Car Accidents
Speeding, lack of seatbelt use, and driving under the influence are among the leading causes of car accident injuries and fatalities in Jackson. According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, speeding accounted for 176 injuries and 10 fatalities in Jackson in 2020, and lack of seatbelt use contributed to another 43 injuries and 18 fatalities.
Impaired driving, which includes driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, was another major factor, resulting in 86 injuries and 14 deaths. These statistics are particularly concerning, given our experience representing victims of car accidents caused by impaired drivers.
Other factors, including distracted driving, poor road infrastructure, and adverse weather conditions, also play a role in many Jackson-area car accidents.
High-Risk Areas and Times
Motor vehicle wrecks can happen anywhere in the Jackson, MS, region. Hinds County, which includes Jackson, Byram, Clinton, and Raymond, is home to busy intersections, including:
- Bailey Avenue and Woodrow Wilson
- Lakeland Drive and Treetops Boulevard
- Hanging Moss Road and Interstate 220
Car accidents are common in these areas, and Jackson drivers should exercise extra caution when driving through them. Fatal accidents are particularly common on I-55, US-80, Clinton Boulevard, Hickory Drive, Raymond Road, and Northside Drive.Â
Just as accidents can occur anywhere, they can happen at any time. However, your risk of getting into an accident is higher at certain points. Jackson’s car accident statistics show that fatal crashes are more likely to occur on weekends.Â
Sunday is the most common day for fatal Jackson accidents, followed by Saturday and Monday. Additionally, the majority of fatal accidents occur after sunset, with 56.5 percent occurring in dim lighting conditions. Accidents occurring on Monday are more likely to take place in the AM hours, while PM accidents are more common on other days of the week. Sunday accidents also occur in the morning at disproportionate rates.Â
Atmospheric conditions in Jackson also influence fatal accident risk. Most deadly accidents occur in clear conditions, but 10.2 percent occur when it’s raining.Â
Safety Measures and Resources
Despite these alarming statistics, residents can take measures to decrease the risk of an accident. One such step is to take a defensive driving course, which provides valuable skills and knowledge to help drivers safely respond to driving hazards. Several organizations in Jackson offer defensive driving courses, including Mississippi Safety Services and Driver Improvement Agency.Â
Additionally, adopting safe driving habits can greatly reduce your chances of getting into an accident. Some tips for safe driving include:
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Keep your eyes on the road, and never text and drive.
- Keep a three-second following distance behind other vehicles.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re unsure, use a ridesharing service or call a taxi or a friend for a ride.
- Follow the speed limit and adjust your driving to weather conditions.
- Keep up with regular vehicle maintenance.
Local law enforcement agencies also play a crucial role in promoting road safety. For example, the Jackson Police Department recently introduced a new technology that allows law enforcement to tag and track suspects’ vehicles without needing a dangerous high-speed pursuit.Â
Unfortunately, accidents can still happen despite our best efforts to prevent them. That’s where NST Law comes in. We’re committed to advocating for Jackson car accident victims. We help our clients navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Impact on the Jackson MS Community
Car accidents not only have a direct impact on those involved but also affect the broader Jackson, MS, community. One of the biggest effects is the high medical and health care costs associated with car accidents. These expenses include emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
In addition to physical injuries, car accidents also can cause anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues that may require therapy or counseling. Medical care and mental health service costs can strain public resources and increase community members’ health care premiums.
Car accidents also can carry legal implications. Those involved in an accident may face fines or even criminal charges depending on their conduct.
Additionally, the parties at issue may get into liability and insurance coverage disputes. This is where NST Law plays a crucial role in representing Jackson car accident victims. Our team of experienced attorneys helps clients navigate the complex legal process and fight for fair compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.Â
Call Our Jackson Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Jackson and Hinds County car accident statistics show a clear need for increased awareness and safety measures. The high number of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents highlights the importance of being cautious on the road and following traffic laws. The figures also indicate how negligence often contributes to wrecks.
Let the car accident attorneys of NST Law’s Jackson, MS, office protect your rights if you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. We can take the pressure off of you by investigating your accident and potentially pursuing compensation on your behalf. For a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Jackson, call 601-362-5222 or complete our online form.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.
125 South Congress St
Suite 1300
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: 601-362-5222
Fax: 601-991-3465