It’s that time of year again. With Christmas right around the corner, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is aiming to spread a little extra holiday cheer on Mississippi’s highways, and needs the public’s help.

Starting now, Mississippians can submit their clever holiday messages for a chance to see them on the big screens across the state — MDOT’s digital message signs (DMS). The last day to submit messages is Wednesday, Nov. 30.

“Driver safety, especially during the holidays with many of us traveling to see loved ones, remains MDOT’s utmost priority. The DMS boards you see along Mississippi highways are a useful tool to help spread our message, remind drivers about the importance of safe driving, and provide some helpful tips,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “MDOT’s 12 Days of Christmas is a great way for us to engage with the public, spread a little holiday joy and get the safest possible travel out of Mississippi motorists.”

Traffic safety messages appear on DMS boards along highways and interstates throughout Mississippi. These 12 days of messages will revolve around Christmas-themed movies, songs and characters. However, any local emergency messages and traffic updates automatically override scheduled messages on the DMS boards.

The winning messages will be displayed starting Thursday, Dec. 14, and drivers will see a new holiday themed safety message each day with the final one posted on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

There is no limit to the number of messages a person can submit, but below are some guidelines to remember:

• The message must relate to traffic safety.
• Signscan only accommodate three lines and 21 characters per line, including spaces.
• Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed.
• No emojis.

 

Some of MDOT’s favorite holiday messages from 2022 include:

• Be merry and bright — Use headlights
• Drink and drive and Yule be sorry
• He sees you when you’re texting

 

“In addition to submitting your holiday messages, be sure to practice safe driving this holiday season. Remind your friends and family to do the same,” said White. “Buckle up, cut out distracted driving, and never drink and drive. Let’s do our part to make sure we all make it to our holiday destinations safely.”

Follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Instagram and X for details on how to submit messages.