Jackson seat belt laws are in place to promote safety and reduce the risk of injuries in motor vehicle accidents. A failure by a negligent party to follow these laws can be important evidence in a Jackson car accident. Here are some key aspects of seat belt laws in Jackson:
Mandatory Seat Belt Use: Mississippi law requires all occupants of a motor vehicle to wear seat belts. This applies to drivers, front-seat passengers, and passengers in the back seat. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all passengers, especially minors, are properly restrained.
Occupant Restraint Systems: Children under the age of 7 and weighing less than 65 pounds are required to be secured in an appropriate child restraint system. The specific requirements for child restraint systems depend on the child's age, weight, and height, and they must comply with the guidelines outlined in Mississippi's child passenger safety laws.
Primary Enforcement: Seat belt laws in Jackson are primary enforcement laws, which means that law enforcement officers can stop and ticket drivers solely for not wearing seat belts, without any other traffic violations being present.
Failure to wear a seat belt does not necessarily prevent an injured person from seeking compensation in a car accident lawsuit. However, if it is determined that the failure to wear a seat belt contributed to the severity of the injuries, the injured person's compensation may be reduced proportionally to their level of fault.