The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin its 2020 Labor Day Travel Enforcement Period — Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) — Friday at 12:01 a.m. and conclude Monday at midnight.

As part of Operation C.A.R.E., all available troopers will be assigned to saturation patrols to combat speeding and distracted driver issues. In order to remove impaired drivers and promote seatbelt usage, safety checkpoints will be established throughout the holiday period.

“Drivers need to be mindful of the fact that bad decisions regarding impaired driving can result in serious consequences,” said Capt. John Poulos via written statement. “Loss of employment, legal fees and possible jail time can take huge tolls on families.”

During the 2019 Labor Day enforcement period, MHP investigated 131 crashes including three fatalities and made 216 DUI arrests.

“Working together, we can ensure all motorists and families will enjoy the last holiday weekend of the summer and arrive at their destinations safely,” said Poulos.