In observance of Independence Day, all area county and city offices will be closed Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4.

Also closed on Monday and Tuesday are the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi Highway Patrol Driver’s License Examiner’s Office.

The United States Post Office and The Daily Leader offices will be open Monday, July 3, but closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Co-Lin will be closed Monday and Tuesday, but will reopen at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. Classes will resume Wednesday.

Waste Pro will not run its normal garbage pickup routes on Tuesday, but will resume Wednesday with service delayed a day.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol began the 2017 Fourth of July holiday enforcement period Friday at 6 p.m. and will conclude Tuesday, July 4, at midnight.

“With the anticipation of heavy traffic flow throughout the state, all available troopers will be assigned saturation patrols in an effort to maximize visibility and reduce traffic crashes,” said Capt. Johnny Poulos, director of MHP public affairs.

“Motorists should be aware of the new seatbelt law which goes into effect July 1 requiring drivers and all passengers in a motor vehicle to be properly restrained,” he said.

Safety checkpoints will be established during the period to remove impaired drivers from the roadways and promote seatbelt usage.

The new law also applies to unrestrained passengers riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck, which is not permitted, he said.

In 2016, MHP investigated 131 crashes with six fatalities — one in Pike County — and made 182 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems throughout the holiday period.

“We are asking motorists to join with us in making the roadways safer in Mississippi and to help allow families to have a joyous holiday weekend,” Poulos said.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation offers suggestions to enjoy a safe a responsible holiday.

“July Fourth is the time to display not only patriotism but also safety and responsibility,” said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath. “Show your love for this country by keeping it safe and never letting anyone, including yourself, drive impaired.”

Be smart:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before drinking.

• If you are impaired, call a taxi, sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, don?t hesitate to call local law enforcement.

• If you see someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to arrive home safely.