In 2014, the Center for Mississippi Health Policy developed an Issue Brief that summarized the available evidence related to distracted driving and outlined policy considerations.

KEY FINDINGS

• One out of every twelve motor vehicle crash-related deaths in Mississippi is distraction related.
• Texting drivers are at high risk of experiencing a dangerous traffic event — 23 times the risk of those not driving distracted.
• The estimated medical care cost for moderate to severe crash-related injuries in 2011 in Mississippi was $38.6 million, with high risk distracted driving behaviors contributing to these costs.
• All but two states have some form of ban on texting while driving:
  • Forty-four states ban texting for all drivers, and
  • Four states, including Mississippi, limit their bans to certain drivers.
• Twelve states prohibit the use of any hand-held mobile phone while driving.
• Mississippi’s current law bans the use of any mobile device for beginning drivers and for bus drivers with young passengers aboard.
• Enforcement is an important consideration, and most states with texting bans have primary enforcement provisions whereby drivers can be cited by law enforcement officers when texting is the only offense.
• Research indicates that texting bans for all drivers coupled with primary enforcement results in a significant reduction in motor vehicle crash deaths.

To download a copy of the Issue Brief click HERE.