A Columbus man died after a car crash in Lowndes County on the morning of December 17.
According to news reports, the car accident occurred on Highway 45, north of Highway 373, at approximately 10 a.m. The man was driving an SUV northbound on Highway 45 when it ran off the highway. Mississippi Highway Patrol stated the SUV went down an embankment, flipped, and eventually struck a tree.
No word on what caused the man to leave the highway. The Mississippi Highway Patrol is currently investigating the accident.
What to Do If You Lose Control Of Your Car
There are several common causes of losing control of your car. The most common cause is the condition of the road. Wet or icy roads significantly reduce tire traction and cause your car to slip or hydroplane. Black ice is especially dangerous because it’s nearly invisible on the road.
Other causes include:
- Mechanical issues such as a tire blowout or brake failure
- Sudden maneuvers, like swerving abruptly to avoid obstacles or taking a curve too fast
- Environmental factors, including strong crosswinds, rain, and snow
If you lose control of your car, the first thing to do is stay calm and avoid panicking, as this will help you think clearly and take appropriate action. Take your foot off the gas and brake pedals gently, as sudden movements can worsen the situation. Look and steer in the direction you want the car to go — this is important for maintaining control. If you’re skidding, turn the steering wheel toward the skid; for example, if the back of your car is sliding to the right, turn the steering wheel to the right.
Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause you to lose control further. Instead, pump the brakes gently if you don’t have anti-lock brakes (ABS), or apply steady pressure if you do. Gradually slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator and letting the car’s momentum naturally decrease. If possible, try to aim for a clear area away from other vehicles and obstacles.
If you start hydroplaning on wet roads, maintain a light grip on the steering wheel, ease off the accelerator, and avoid sudden movements until the tires reconnect with the road. For winter conditions where you lose control on ice or snow, the same principles apply – smooth, gentle movements are key. If you go off the road, try to guide the car toward something that will cause minimal damage, like an empty field or bushes, rather than hitting solid objects like trees or poles.
Once you’ve regained control or come to a stop, turn on your hazard lights, and if it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe location away from traffic. Take a moment to calm down before continuing to drive, and consider whether your vehicle needs to be inspected before proceeding.
If you are involved in a car accident caused by someone losing control of their vehicle, it’s important to speak with a Mississippi car accident lawyer at Giddens Law Firm to learn your next steps. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Mississippi. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Giddens Law Firm as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.