Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi has rather lenient laws compared to other states regarding mobile phones, texting and driving. The only time texting and driving is prohibited is if the teen has a student license or provisional license. Drivers of all ages and rights are free to make phone calls and use their phones while driving.

Законодательство

• A teen with a study permit or temporary license cannot text or drive.
• Other drivers with a regular operating license are allowed to send text messages and make phone calls.

Mississippi defines distracted driving as anything that endangers pedestrians, passengers, and drivers by taking your attention off the road. According to the Mississippi Department of Health, three-quarters of adult drivers reported talking on a cell phone while driving, and one-third reported sending, writing, or reading text messages while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in year 10, 2011, percent of fatal road crashes involved distracted drivers. In addition, in the same year, injuries in crashes involving distracted drivers accounted for 17 percent. Overall, drivers whose thoughts, vision, or hands were not in the right place are responsible for 3,331 fatalities.

The Mississippi Department of Health recommends turning off your cell phone, putting it in your trunk, and scheduling a time to call and call back as soon as you get to your destination. This should help reduce the number of car accidents and deaths caused by distracted driving.

In general, the state of Mississippi has lenient laws when it comes to texting and driving. While using a cell phone while driving is not illegal for those with a regular driver's license, the state recommends that you do not use a cell phone while driving. This is necessary for your safety and the safety of others.