The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) is preparing to kick off its Independence Day travel period
From Thursday at 6:00 a.m. to midnight on Sunday, there will be a heightened presence of law enforcement officers on Mississippi roadways.
”As we make the plans to celebrate this Independence Day weekend, let’s also
commit to making safety a top priority,” Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said. “Thank you to all of our law enforcement and first responders for continuing to work through this long weekend to ensure everyone enjoys a fun and safe holiday.”
MHP will utilize a high visibility patrolling plan over the travel period to promote safe travel and reduce fatal crashes. Troopers will monitor motorists to deter speeding, distracted driving, and use safety checkpoints to encourage seatbelt usage and remove impaired drivers from roads.
“The Independence Day holiday is a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends,” MHP Assistant Director Lt. Colonel James Ivory said. “The Mississippi Highway Patrol strives to provide vigilant and consistent protection for our state and those who travel our roadways throughout the year, especially during the busy holiday travel season. Be safe and smart as you
travel during this long holiday weekend.”
During the 2023 Independence Day Holiday Travel Period, MHP investigated 76 crashes with four fatalities. There were also 49 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems, along with 508 citations for occupant restraint violations during the holiday travel period.