The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin its 2024 Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 6 a.m. The period will conclude at midnight, Sunday, Dec. 1.

State Troopers will focus on enforcing safety efforts on state and federal highways and interstate systems, to reduce reckless driving, speeding, and distracted driving issues. Safety checkpoints will be conducted throughout the period to enforce child restraint and seatbelt laws, while also removing impaired drivers from our roadways.

During the 2023 period, MHP investigated 169 crashes with three fatalities, and made 109 DUI arrests. One of those fatalities was in Copiah County. Deangelo Kelly, 49, was driving a 2008 Volkswagen south on Hwy. 27 when it left the roadway and collided with a ditch. Kelly was pronounced dead on the scene. The other fatal crashes occurred in Jackson and Choctaw counties.

“The holiday season is here, and with it comes increased travel across our state,” said Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. “The Mississippi Highway Patrol, along with all law enforcement agencies, is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on our roadways. This is a time to cherish with family and friends, so please remember to drive safely and responsibly to your destinations. We also extend our gratitude to all law enforcement officers and first responders for their dedicated service throughout the holiday season.”

In 2023, Troopers issued 6,766 citations (down from 9,170 in 2022); issued 875 citations for seatbelt and child restraint violations (up from 645 one year earlier); and made 45 drug-related arrests (compared to 39 in 2022).

“As the holiday season approaches, the Mississippi Highway Patrol urges everyone to drive responsibly and enjoy a safe Thanksgiving with family and friends,” said MHP Lt. Col. James Ivory. “We are dedicated to enhancing public safety through strict enforcement of traffic laws in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. Our primary goal is to prevent vehicle crashes by maintaining a strong presence on state and federal highways.”