The Mississippi Highway Patrol will be out in full force to protect the state’s roadways this Thanksgiving weekend.
MHP begins its extended five-day ‘2021 Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Enforcement Period’ Wednesday, Nov. 24, at 12:01 a.m., with troopers stationed on all state, federal and interstate systems to combat reckless driving along with speeding and distracted driving. The enforcement period ends Sunday, Nov. 28 at midnight.
Safety checkpoints will be conducted throughout the period to enforce child restraint and seatbelt laws while also removing impaired drivers.
Six people were killed on Mississippi's highways and interstates during 2020 Thanksgiving holiday, according to data from Mississippi Highway Patrol. Statewide, troopers issued 5,922 citations, which included 115 DUI arrests, 371 seatbelt citations and 53 child restraint citations.
“We are reminded that Thanksgiving 2020 was a particularly deadly travel period and are asking all motorists to use good driving habits as we try to reduce fatalities and injuries this year,” said Colonel Randy Ginn, Director of MHP. “Our goal is for you and your family to safely reach your destination so that you may have a truly Happy Thanksgiving.”