The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin the New Year’s Enforcement Period on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 12:01 a.m. and will conclude Wednesday, Jan. 1 at midnight.
The ongoing MHP safety initiative “Home for The Holidays” continues to place emphasis on traffic safety regarding motorists traveling throughout the holiday season. Motorist are urged to slow down and this is the only warning you will get.
During the 2018 New Year’s period, MHP investigated 92 vehicle crashes including five fatalities on state, federal highways, and interstate systems.
If plans include alcohol, please designate a sober driver before festivities start. No one should begin 2020 with being arrested, facing medical bills, legal fees and perhaps losing their job.
Responsible decisions ensure safe travel and allows everyone to enjoy time spent with family and friends.
Mississippi recorded one of its worst Thanksgiving holiday highway safety enforcement periods this year, with 10 fatalties reported on state highways and roads in November.
MHP issued 6824 citations with 95 DUI arrests and investigated 185 motor vehicle crashes which included 49 injuries.
Officers saw heavy traffic throughout the period and anticipated the number of motorists traveling to increase due to the upcoming December holiday period. This higher traffic count and the unacceptable fatalities prompted MHP to enforce “Home for the Holidays.”
Motorists are being urged to wear their safety belts, follow traffic rules and speed limits and not to drink and drive this holiday season.
Troopers will be conducting a variety of safety measures and patrols to reduce traffic fatalities this month.
