Mississippi Highway Patrol is preparing for the final summer holiday with the 2024 Labor Day holiday travel period, and wants motorists to keep safety a top priority.

The MHP enforcement period begins Friday, Aug. 30, 6 a.m., and concludes Monday, Sept. 2, at midnight.

“As Labor Day marks the ‘unofficial end of summer,’ the Mississippi Highway Patrol and law enforcement across the state will be working diligently to ensure the safety of you, your family, and your friends across Mississippi!” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Remember to be responsible and drive safely.”

Troopers will conduct high-visibility patrols and safety checkpoints across the holiday period to ensure safe travel on the state’s roadways. The primary goals are to deter speeding, deter impaired or distracted driving, minimize fatal crashes, and promote seatbelt usage.

“Looking into the upcoming holiday weekend, safety remains a top priority for us,” said MHP Assistant Chief Lt. Col. James Ivory. “As you gather with your family and friends, and with the kickoff of college football, our roads are expected to be busy. Let us all make a conscious effort to drive safe, wear your seatbelt, and be smart on this holiday weekend!”

During the 2023 Labor Day holiday travel period, MHP investigated 147 crashes with four fatalities, issued 698 citations for occupant restraint violations, and made 141 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems. Troop M — based in Brookhaven, and which services Lincoln, Lawrence, Franklin, Amite, Pike, Adams, Jefferson, Wilkinson and Walthall counties — made one DUI arrest, one drug-related arrest, issued 49 seatbelt and child restraint citations, assisted five motorists, and investigated four crashes.