The Mississippi Highway Patrol is kicking off the summer travel season with the Memorial Day enforcement period.
A heightened presence of law enforcement will be on highways and interstates across the state from Friday through midnight on Monday.
The Memorial Day Holiday travel period coincides with the national “Click-it or Ticket” safety campaign, so the state occupant restraint laws will be a priority, per officials. The enforcement of speeding, distracted, and impaired driving laws will continue to be a focus, along with the use of safety checkpoints, with the hopes of reducing crashes throughout the weekend.
“As we head into the Memorial Day travel period, we encourage all Mississippians to be smart, buckle up, and drive safely,” Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said. “This holiday is a time to remember and honor those who served our country, and we also must thank the law enforcement and emergency personnel who are working throughout the weekend to keep our roads and communities safe.”
During the 2024 Memorial Day campaign, state troopers investigated 135 crashes with four fatalities and made 118 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems. MHP also issued 864 citations for occupant restraint violations during that enforcement period.
“As we enter the summer travel season, our commitment to safety reaches its peak. We encourage both our citizens and visitors to fully enjoy what Mississippi has to offer, but safety must always come first,” Mississippi Highway Patrol Lt. Colonel James Ivory said.
“Our troopers are dedicated to reminding travelers to exercise caution as they embark on their weekend journeys,” he continued. “Additionally, let us take a moment this weekend to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
