Recently we talked about the role that passengers play in distracted driving by teen drivers. Although teen drivers are at particular risk everywhere, Mississippi recently earned the unfortunate distinction of having the third greatest number of fatal car crashes involving teenagers out of all of the states in the country.
In an effort to improve teen safety on the state’s roads, the Mississippi Highway Patrol has implemented a campaign called “Stop the Knock.” The name refers to what law enforcement officers say is one of the most difficult tasks required in their job — going to the home of someone who has been killed in a crash and informing family and loved ones of the death.
The state’s public safety commissioner said, “I have seen mothers pass out and hit the floor. I have seen fathers get on their knees and cry.” These visits often involve asking parents to come to the morgue to “help or try to identify a mangled body of their teenage son or daughter.”
The MHP’s public affairs director said that while the Stop the Knock campaign, which runs throughout the summer, is part of their effort to reduce teen fatalities on our roads, the problem “should be a huge concern to every parent.” Among the top causes of teen accidents and fatalities are distracted driving and failure to wear seat belts.
Of course, teens aren’t the only ones at risk on our roads. According to the public affairs director, “Mississippi has some of the deadliest roadways in the nation.” So far this year, 228 people have been killed in vehicle crashes.
Certainly no amount of compensation awarded in a civil lawsuit against an at-fault driver can make up for the loss of a loved one. However, it can help families cover medical expenses and burial costs. If you find yourself in this dreadful position, t’s worthwhile to determine what your legal options are from an experienced, compassionate Mississippi attorney.
Source: The Clarion-Ledger, “MHP: Reduce highway fatalities to ‘Stop the Knock’,” Sarah Fowler, June 09, 2016