Several law enforcement agencies will be out in force during the holiday weekend to ensure motorists get to their destinations safely.

Troopers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol will conduct a Christmas Travel Enforcement Period starting Friday at 6 p.m. It will end Monday, Dec. 25 at midnight.

The purpose of the enforcement period is to removing anyone who is driving recklessly and speeding, according to a press release by MHP.

During that period, troopers will utilize safety checkpoints to enforce seatbelt usage and look for proper use of child restraints while removing impaired drivers from the roads, the release states.

“If alcohol is included in celebrations, we urge motorists to designate a sober driver or have other means of safe transportation,” MHP Captain Johnny Poulos said in the release. “Our goal is for everyone to make it home for the holidays. In order to accomplish this, responsible decisions and safe driving should be a major part of everyone’s holiday plans.”

Last year during the Christmas holiday, troopers investigated 141 crashes which included three fatalities statewide, the release said.

Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said officers with the department will also participate in the enforcement to remove impaired drivers from the roads.

Magri said multiple checkpoints will be set up throughout town.

He advises anyone planning on drinking over the holidays to be responsible and have a designated driver.

Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Shane Tucker said the deputies will not be participating in an official enforcement period during the holiday weekend, but will be on patrol.