The Mississippi Highway Patrol’s “Home for the Holidays” Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Travel Enforcement Campaign is officially underway with the mission of getting travelers safely to and from their holiday destinations.
Troopers will focus on speeding, distracted, and impaired driving laws while using safety checkpoints to monitor seatbelt usage and remove impaired drivers from roadways. The Christmas period commenced Friday, December 23, at 6:00 a.m. and will conclude Monday, December 26, at midnight. The New Year’s period will commence on Friday, December 30, at 6:00 a.m. and end on Monday, January 2, at midnight.
“The Mississippi Highway Patrol is committed to keeping our citizens and roadways safe especially during the holidays,” Commissioner Sean Tindell said. “Thank you to our men and women who are working during this time. Stay safe, buckle up, put your phone down, and have a happy holiday season!”
During the 2021 Christmas Travel Enforcement Period, MHP investigated 174 crashes with one fatality, made 146 DUI arrests, and issued 589 citations for occupant restraint violations on state and federal highway systems.
In the 2022 New Year’s Travel Enforcement Period, MHP investigated 178 crashes with two fatalities, made 279 DUI arrests, and issued 1,421 citations for occupant restraint violations on Mississippi roadways.
“The Holiday season is a special time of year in which we all look forward to spending time with friends and family,” Colonel Randy Ginn said. “In addition to time with their loved ones, our Troopers will be working to make sure Mississippi motorists arrive home safely for the holidays and enjoy a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
