MDOT Teams with Special Partner to Promote Holiday Travel Safety

Image courtesy of MDOT

“The most wonderful time of year” has arrived, just as the beloved song proclaims. It’s time for Christmas carols, twinkling lights, delicious food and time spent around the tree with loved ones. With the holidays coming, there will be an increased number of vehicles on Mississippi’s highways.

This year, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is teaming up with Santa Claus to promote safe travel this holiday season.

MDOT will be tracking Santa’s movements on MDOTtraffic.com and social media as he makes his way through the Magnolia State. Santa is expected to make his first appearance near Christmas, Miss. Around 4 p.m. Central on December 24 and visit each of MDOT’s six engineering districts.

The jolly old elf will pass Mississippi landmarks, visit with MDOT staff and share some ways he stays safe during his travels through Mississippi. To join MDOT in following Santa’s progress, like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by following the hashtag #SantaInTheSip.

Roadwork put on hold

There are numerous construction projects going on across the state. In an effort to make holiday travel more convenient, MDOT will be suspending work on the projects listed below from December 23 through December 26.

• U.S. Highway 49 from U.S. Highway 98 to Camp Shelby in Forrest County
• U.S. Highway 49 bridge replacements from Brooklyn to Camp Shelby in Forrest County
• Bridge Painting on Interstate 10 in Harrison County
• U.S. Highway 49 from 28th Street to Creosote Road in Harrison County
• Lakeland Drive Project in Hinds County
• Interstate 10 widening in Jackson County
• U.S. Highway 49 from 10 Mile Creek north 4 miles in Stone County

Avoid Distracted and Impaired Driving

Last year, 162 motorists were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Mississippi, accounting for 26 percent of total traffic deaths.

Alcohol is not the only thing that impairs your ability to drive a vehicle. Anything that compromises your judgment, driving skills or reaction time is a hindrance, including illegal drugs, prescription medications, cell phones and other passengers in the vehicle.

Most importantly, enjoy the holiday season with friends and family who are special to you. Make this your best holiday yet by keeping yourself and your loved ones safe on the roadways.

Up-to-Date Travel Information

MDOT is putting additional effort into monitoring the state’s highways to make sure everyone is able to enjoy the season with their friends and loved ones. For the most current up-to-date travel and traffic information, visit MDOTtraffic.com, download the free MDOT Traffic mobile app, call Mississippi 511 or like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

Courtesy of MDOT

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