Ahead of what is expected to be a historically busy Thanksgiving travel stretch, the Mississippi Highway Patrol has announced details about their efforts to keep travelers safe.
Beginning Wednesday at 6 a.m. and lasting through Sunday, December 1, the police agency will deploy a higher presence of state troopers and other safety efforts to reduce reckless driving, speeding, and distracting driving issues.
Safety checkpoints will be conducted throughout the state during the period, specifically to enforce child restraint and seatbelt laws, while also focusing on taking impaired drivers off Mississippi roadways.
“The holiday season is here, and with it comes increased travel across our state. The Mississippi Highway Patrol, along with all law enforcement agencies, is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on our roadways,” Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said.
“This is a time to cherish with family and friends, so please remember to drive safely and responsibly to your destinations. We also extend our gratitude to all law enforcement officers and first responders for their dedicated service throughout the holiday season.”
Across the 2023 Thanksgiving travel period, MHP investigated 169 vehicle crashes, which included three fatalities, and made 109 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems. Nearly 80 million Americans are projected to travel for the holiday this year, a number that would shatter previous records.
“As the holiday season approaches, the Mississippi Highway Patrol urges everyone to drive responsibly and enjoy a safe Thanksgiving with family and friends,” MHP Lt. Colonel James Ivory said. “We are dedicated to enhancing public safety through strict enforcement of traffic laws in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. Our primary goal is to prevent vehicle crashes by maintaining a strong presence on state and federal highways.”
