The Mississippi Highway Patrol reminds motorists to travel safely this holiday weekend.

The 2022 Independence Day Holiday Travel Period enforcement begins today at 5 p.m. and concludes Tuesday, July 5, at midnight. Troopers will conduct high-visibility enforcement activities to promote safe travel and reduce fatal crashes over the holiday period. Troopers will focus on speeding, distracted drivers and impaired driving while using safety checkpoints to monitor seatbelt usage and to remove impaired drivers from the roadways.

During the 2021 Independence Day Holiday Travel Period, MHP investigated 151 crashes — including two fatalities — and made 146 DUI arrests. MHP also issued 518 citations for seatbelt or child safety restraint violations.

“As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our nation, we must not neglect to prepare to conduct safe travel practices over the holiday period,” said Lt. Col. Malachi Sanders. “MHP Troopers will be tasked with providing oversight through enforcement efforts to ensure motorists get to and from their holiday destinations safely.”

“On this Independence Day, as we gather with our family and friends, let’s not forget to remember the great privilege we have to be citizens of the United States of America,” Commissioner Sean Tindell said. “We must also remember to thank the law enforcement officers across the state who are committed to keeping our citizens and roadways safe each and every day. Travel safe this holiday weekend and Happy Independence Day!”