Low Gas Prices in Mississippi Could Affect Road Safety

While the rest of the nation deals with increasing gas prices, Mississippi residents have enjoyed the lowest gas prices out of any state in the U.S. this April. The rise in gas prices is due to the missile strike the U.S. launched on a Syrian air base, according to news sources, and is expected to continue rising another few cents. While the rest of the U.S. is expected to cut back on fuel usage, Mississippi motorists will likely experience busy roads, leading to potentially dangerous driving conditions. In order to ensure you stay safe on the busy roads, our legal team at the Law Offices of Malouf & Malouf, PLLC in Jackson has compiled a few safety tips to prevent accidents and injuries. Stay out of harm’s way while roadways get hectic and keep yourself, your passengers, and other motorists safe. 1. Buckle Up Always wear a seat belt, and make sure that every passenger in your vehicle is properly buckled before you begin driving. Studies have proven that wearing a seat belt can save a life, so always exercise this caution. Not only is it safer, it is also the law. Also, be sure that your children, or any children in your vehicle, are in the proper child safety seat. Infants should be in rear-facing seats, while young children should remain in car seats until they exceed the manufacturer weight limit, at which time they should use a booster seat. 2. Stay Alert Driving cautiously is always advisable, especially on crowded roads. One of the leading causes of motor vehicle fatalities is distracted driving, so put away the phone, wait until you get home to eat, and focus all of your attention on the task at hand when you are behind the wheel. Keep an eye out for other distracted drivers and drive defensively to ensure your own safety and that of your passengers. Also, be aware of any changing road conditions, like construction work or dangerous weather. Wet roads or high winds can make it harder to drive, and require more attention and care. 3. Follow the Speed Limit Abiding by the speed limit is not only the safest thing to do, it is also the law. Speed limits are set for a reason, they are designed to keep drivers and pedestrians safe, so always be sure to follow designated speed limits. Like distracted driving, speeding is another cause of road crash fatalities, so choosing to abide by the set limits could potentially save your life, and the lives of your fellow motorists. 4. Drive Sober Never drive while drunk, high, or otherwise impaired. Thousands die each year because of drunk driving accidents, and getting into crowded streets after having a few too many drinks is a recipe for disaster. Always have a designated driver before you go out drinking, or call a friend or driving service to safely drive you to where you need to go at the end of the night. Furthermore, avoid driving while you are drowsy. Falling asleep behind the wheel is far more common than it should be, and it can prove just as dangerous and deadly as driving drunk. Make sure you are well-rested before you get into the driver’s seat, and, if you must, pull over if you feel tired while driving. If you or someone you love is injured in an accident, seek legal representation in Mississippi you can trust and contact the Law Offices of Malouf & Malouf, PLLC to learn more.   You can read more accident articles here