If you’ve been ordered to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your vehicle(s) after a DUI conviction to get your driving privileges reinstated, it’s crucial that you understand how it works, what’s required of you and how to avoid unnecessary problems with it. While having a restricted driver’s license that requires an IID isn’t ideal, it’s certainly better than not being able to drive legally at all for the duration of your license suspension. Like any electronic device, an IID can malfunction. In some cases, it may “report” that a driver has failed the sobriety test when blo ..read more

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in Mississippi, which means lawmakers have determined that the drug is highly addictive but has some legitimate medical uses. The penalties for possessing, distributing and trafficking Schedule I and II drugs are severe in Mississippi, and even first-time offenders can be sent to jail for a year for possessing small quantities of cocaine. Even selling items that are used to consume drugs can lead to a jail sentence in Mississippi. Individuals who sell crack pipes can be sent to jail for up to six months and fined up to $500. If an adu ..read more

Collecting information about involved parties is one of the steps to take after an accident. While the minutes after a crash can be devastating and confusing, you need to gather the needed information. Here is what you should collect:  Information about the other driver You need to exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number and license number. You should also get their vehicle’s details, including make, model and license plate number. Lastly, request them to give you their insurance information – their policy number and insurer’s name and phone numbe ..read more

The crisis of fatal drug overdoses has hit virtually every part of the U.S. Amid this crisis, states have increasingly enacted laws that provide immunity from being arrested, charged or prosecuted for relatively minor drug charges for those who seek medical help for someone who’s overdosing. Many states also provide immunity for overdose victims. These laws vary somewhat among states. The goal is to encourage people to call for help for themselves or someone else out of fear that they’ll be arrested for evidence of personal drug use discovered only because they sought help. Every state’s law i ..read more

Drinking and driving is a dangerous combination that can result in devastating consequences. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers, and a significant percentage of these crashes involve underage drunk drivers. Suppose you’re a parent to a teenager who just got their learner’s permit or full driving license. In that case, you need to ensure that they understand the risks and ramifications of drinking and driving. Initiating a conversation about drinking and driving can be daunting, but it ..read more

Distracted driving has reached an alarming rate in Mississippi in the past decade, with cellphone usage being among the primary reasons why traffic accidents occur. However, some researchers believe that cellphone usage as a cause has been underreported in recent years. Statistics don’t capture all cellphone-related collisions Despite the prevalence of cell phones in providing many different statistics, they don’t always provide information that these devices directly contributed to motor vehicle accidents. When coupled with drivers’ unwillingness to admit that they were using their cellphones ..read more

When a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance, you may be tempted to warn them to stop by braking or using hand signals. However, these moves may be dangerous, as they can distract you. You can deal with a tailgater safely. Here is how you can do this: Stay calm Consider staying calm while looking for the best ways to respond. Becoming angry can encourage you to engage in risky behaviors. Thus, even though the tailgater is in the wrong, try as much as you can to remain calm. Note that the tailgater may honk their horn, flash their lights or make gestures. You may want to respond ac ..read more

A federal agency has urged transportation departments in Mississippi and around the country to refrain from placing cryptic, obscure or humorous messages on electronic highway signs. Nearly all states use electronic highway signs to warn drivers about adverse weather conditions, accidents and traffic delays, but many states also use them to publicize road safety campaigns. According to recent updates to the Federal Highway Administration’s safety manual, signs with funny messages or messages rooted in popular culture could be doing more harm than good. Brief, clear and legible The FHA’s manual ..read more

Distracted driving is an all too common problem in Mississippi. Some motorists become distracted by no fault of their own through outside sources; funny road signs are one of them. Now, the Federal Highway Administration has plans to curb this problem. Dangers of distracted driving Distracted driving can take on many forms. Using a handheld cell phone, engaging in conversation with passengers, checking on children in the backset, eating and drinking and even daydreaming are some of the most common ways drivers become distracted. Any of these situations can cause a person to lose focus on the r ..read more

Police officers in Mississippi and around the country have long yearned for a reliable way to tell whether or not a suspect is lying. Polygraph machines, which are often called lie detectors, have been in use for almost a century, but the results they produce are not accurate or reliable enough to be used as evidence in a criminal trial. Approaches that identify false accounts by analyzing statements or memories are about as accurate as polygraph machines, and using artificial intelligence algorithms to separate truth from lies has also failed to produce results that are reliable enough to be ..read more