The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin the 2018 Thanksgiving Holiday Enforcement Period began today at 12:01 a.m. and will conclude Sunday, at midnight.

“Due to anticipation of heavy traffic, MHP will participate in Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort during the holiday period,” said Capt. Johnny Poulos, director of public affairs for MHP. “As part of Operation CARE, state troopers will place emphasis on saturation patrols to combat speeding, promote seatbelt usage and prevent reckless driving.”

Drivers should avoid text messaging or any driver distraction that could endanger lives and have sober designated drivers in place when necessary, he said.

During the period in 2017, MHP investigated 163 crashes with five fatalities and made 46 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems.

“We are asking motorists to join with us in making the roadways safer in Mississippi and to include safe driving as part of their holiday traveling plans,” he said.