MHP: Memorial Day travel focus begins 6 a.m. Friday
Published 5:00 pm Thursday, May 25, 2023
Mississippi Highway Patrol will focus enforcement efforts for Memorial Day weekend.
The 2023 Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period begins Friday, May 26, at 6 a.m. and concludes at midnight, Tuesday, May 30. Troopers will work diligently to promote safe travel by conducting high-visibility enforcement efforts.
The travel period coincides with the national “Click-it or Ticket” safety campaign, so the state seatbelt and child restraint laws will be a priority during the holiday weekend. The enforcement of speeding, districted driving, and impaired driving laws will also be heavy focuses, along with the use of safety checkpoints, with hopes of reducing crashes throughout the period.
“As we enjoy this time with our family and friends on this Memorial Day, let us remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Let us also thank law enforcement state and nationwide who made the commitment to keep our state and roadways safe. Stay safe this holiday weekend!”
During the 2022 Memorial Day focus, MHP investigated 125 crashes with four fatalities, and made 375 DUI arrests. MHP also issued 1,615 citations for occupant restraint violations during the enforcement period.
“The Mississippi Highway Patrol is prepared for this Memorial Day Holiday,” said Lt. Col. Malachi Sanders. “Troopers are tasked with monitoring the high-traffic areas through routine patrols and safety checkpoints. We will utilize other areas of the enforcement division, as well as coordinate with local law enforcement to minimize the likelihood of accidents and major incidents. MHP is expecting a safe holiday period. We are asking the public to be mindful of distracted drivers and seatbelt safety.”