During the Memorial Day holiday, there is an increase in vehicle-related fatalities, Trooper First Class Chase Elkins, Mississippi High Patrol Public Affairs Officer for Troop K said. The roads are more heavily traveled during this three-day holiday weekend as well, he said.
In an effort to prevent impaired drivers from traveling the roads, Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers will begin the 2016 Memorial Day Travel Enforcement Period today at 6 p.m. and will continue until Monday, May 30 at midnight, according to a release from MHP.
During this time, there will be extra troopers on patrol, Elkins said. They will be looking for speeding violations, reckless drivers, drunk drivers and seatbelt violations, he added.
According to the release, safety checkpoints will be established to prevent impaired driving and promote seatbelt usage in conjunction with the Click It or Ticket campaign.
“When drivers approach a checkpoint please have your driver’s license and proof of insurance ready,” Elkins said. “It helps you get through the checkpoints quicker and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.”
Even with the extra manpower, Elkins said there’s only so much they can do. He encourages the public to help keep fatalities at a minimum and not drive while distracted. This can include talking on the cellphone.
“If anyone sees a driver they think might be impaired, they can call 911,” Elkins said. “The operator can direct them to the right agency.”
In 2015, MHP troopers investigated 124 crashes that involved two fatalities and made 128 DUI arrests on state and federal highways during Memorial Day weekend, the release states. All law enforcement agencies encourage motorists to make safety a priority while traveling Mississippi’s roadways.