Injury and Violence Prevention

Mississippi's death rate due to injuries, both intentional and unintentional, greatly exceeds the national rate. Despite evidence that most injuries are preventable, they continue to constitute one of the most tragic and costly public health problems to date. In the United States, nearly 192,900 people die from violence and injuries each year.

Motor Vehicle Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of injury-related deaths in the state, and Mississippi has one of the highest per-capita motor vehicle fatality rates in the nation. The Division of Injury and Violence Prevention works collaboratively with the following agencies and other interested parties to promote safety for drivers and passengers in motor vehicles:

• Mississippi Department of Public Safety
• Mississippi Department of Transportation
• Safe Kids Mississippi Coalition

Car Seats and Child Safety

The Division of Injury and Violence Prevention is currently working to increase education and awareness regarding child passenger safety, including car seat use and information about the Booster Seat Law in Mississippi.

• MSDH Child Passenger Safety Program

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use has been directly linked to increased risk while operating a motor vehicle. Driver distraction is involved in 16 percent of fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Our phone-free driving tips can help you make the road safer for you and others.

• Tips for Phone-Free Driving

Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety

Pedestrian and bicycle safety activities are held in locations across Mississippi. MSDH staff conduct bicycle rodeos, classroom presentations, and community presentations where bicycle helmets (subject to availability) and safety information is distributed. MSDH partners with the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Fire Prevention

The MSDH Fire-Related Injury Prevention Program offers fire prevention and safety presentations and participates in planning safety events for schools. To contact program staff, call (601) 206-1559. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal offers free smoke alarm installation in your home for selected counties in the state. To find out if you qualify, visit the State Fire Marshal's web site.

• Keeping your home safe from fires
• Home Fire Drill information from homefiredrill.org
• U.S. Fire Administration

Water Safety

When the weather gets hot, it's natural to want to be in or near the water to stay cool. But along with water fun, there are safety precautions that need to be taken when enjoying swimming pools, hot tubs or recreational boating.

• More about Water and Boating Safety