Jackson, Mississippi – The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) will begin the 2024 Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period on Wednesday at 6 a.m. and conclude Sunday at midnight, MHP has announced.

State troopers will focus on enforcing safety efforts on state and federal highways and interstate systems to reduce reckless driving, speeding, and distracted driving issues, MHP officials said. Safety checkpoints will be conducted throughout the period
to enforce child restraint and seatbelt laws while also removing impaired drivers from state roadways.

During the 2023 period, MHP reported investigating 169 crashes with three fatalities and making 109 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems.

“The holiday season is here, and with it comes increased travel across our state. TheMississippi 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.”

“As the holiday season approaches, the Mississippi Highway Patrol urges everyone to drive responsibly and enjoy a safe Thanksgiving with family and friends,” said MHP Lt. Col. James Ivory. “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.”