The Mississippi Highway Patrol will conduct the Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort this Super Bowl Sunday.

The MHP will begin this safety campaign Sunday, Feb. 4 at noon, which will continue until midnight.

State troopers will be assigned saturation patrols to reduce speeding and distracted or drunk driving. Safety checkpoints will also be established to remove impaired drivers from roads and promote seatbelt usage, according to a departmental press release.

Statistics show that during Super Bowl Sunday, there’s an increase in vehicle accidents, the release states.

“To ensure everyone is on the winning team, we ask sober designated drivers to be in place along with responsible decisions while traveling on the roadways,” MHP Captain Johnny Poulos said in the release.

Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said he and the department’s officers want everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl in a safe manner and bring a designated driver along in case they watch the game away from home.

Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Shane Tucker said the department does not plan to participate in this campaign but thinks it’s a good idea for local agencies to promote safety.

“It’s a great idea especially as these individuals celebrate and watch the game they tend to overindulge in alcohol and make bad choices,” Tucker said.

Tucker said the campaigns reduce the number of accidents, which is a good thing.

“I hope everyone has a good time and enjoys themselves bearing in mind the traffic laws as we don’t want anyone to jeopardize their lives or others on the road,” Tucker said.