Vehicle Equipment, Safety, and Basic Maintenance
Required Equipment
Mississippi vehicles must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a horn, mirrors, a speedometer, and seat belts for all occupants. Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor (rain, fog, or when wipers are in continuous use). Use low beams in fog-high beams reflect back and reduce visibility.
Tires, Brakes, and Belts
Check tire tread depth and pressure regularly; worn tires increase stopping distance and hydroplaning risk. If a tire blows out, hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer to a safe stop-do not slam the brakes. Seat belts are required for the driver and passengers; children must be in appropriate child restraints. Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag.
Safe Driving Habits
Maintain a safe following distance, scan ahead, and check mirrors regularly. Avoid distractions-texting, phone use, eating, and adjusting controls. If your brakes fail, pump them, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually. If your accelerator sticks, shift to neutral and brake. If you must stop on the roadside, pull as far off as possible, turn on hazard lights, and raise the hood.
Traps: questions about high beams in fog (use low beams); blowout responses (do not brake hard); and child seat placement (never in front of an airbag). Rule of thumb: when visibility drops, slow down and turn on low-beam headlights.