The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin the 2015 Thanksgiving holiday travel enforcement period today at 6 p.m. and will conclude Sunday at midnight. 

During this highly traveled period, troopers will be assigned to interstate and highway systems in order to combat careless and reckless driving along with speeding and distracted driving issues. MHP investigated 179 crashes including three fatalities during the 2014 Thanksgiving enforcement period, according to Captain Johnny Poulos, director of the public affairs division of MHP.

Troopers will be conducting safety checkpoints as well in order to enforce child restraint and seatbelt laws while also removing impaired drivers. Poulos said MHP urges motorists who are preparing to travel on the roadways to include safe driving as part of their plans. This helps ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone traveling in Mississippi.