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MDOT: Safety Tips for Memorial Day and Summer Travel
Cookouts, parades and local fairs are just a few ways that many will choose to celebrate Memorial Day. The Mississippi Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) top priority is to keep motorists safe and informed while providing efficient roadways for summer travel.
“Mississippi has a lot to offer and MDOT hopes many will take advantage of their Memorial Day weekend by exploring new places or returning to favorite scenic routes, all the while making wise choices,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director.
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer travel season for many people. According to AAA, more than 43 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, up nearly 4% from last year. With more vehicles on the road, it is important to be patient and drive smart.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94% of crashes are caused by human error. One of the most important safety steps drivers can take is simply slowing down and paying attention.
In 2017, there were 690 traffic fatalities in Mississippi. Speed was a factor in nine percent of traffic fatalities, and alcohol was a factor in 21 percent. Distraction was cited in over half of all fatal crashes involving teens. Half of the people killed in crashes last year were not wearing their seat belt.
To ensure everyone arrives safely at their destinations, the motorist should:
– Obey all speed limits and signs, especially through work zones.
– Always wear a seatbelt.
– Never get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– Use your cell phone for emergency situations only.
– MDOT offers free resources to help the traveling public know about current road conditions. MDOTtraffic.com and the MDOT traffic mobile app help travelers plan their next road trip. The resources share constant updates on Mississippi roadways and also show the locations of rest areas and welcome centers throughout the state.
MDOT also has information for drivers to take action and do their part to help reduce the number of fatal crashes in the state. The website www.GoMDOT.com/DriveSmartMS includes videos that teach drivers how to navigate work zones and intersections, drive in severe weather and use highways safely.
Beginning Saturday, May 25, and ending Tuesday, May 28, MDOT will not issue any permits for oversize and overweight vehicles on all state and federal highways for Memorial Day weekend.
“Our top priority is the safety of traveling public, especially during the upcoming holiday weekend,” McGrath said. “Prohibiting oversize loads during the holiday is one more way MDOT is working to increase the safety and efficiency of Mississippi’s highways for motorists.”
For real-time highway updates and more summer travel safety information, like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter, visit MDOTtraffic.com or download the MDOT Traffic mobile app.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Transportation
| Sat, Aug 31 |  | vs Furman | W, 76-0 |
| Sat, Sep 7 |  | vs Middle Tennessee | W, 52-3 |
| Sat, Sep 14 |  | @ Wake Forest | W, 40-6 |
| Sat, Sep 21 |  | vs Georgia Southern | W, 52-13 |
| Sat, Sep 28 |  | vs Kentucky | L, 20-17 |
| Sat, Oct 5 |  | @ South Carolina | W, 27-3 |
| Sat, Oct 12 |  | vs LSU | L, 29-26 (2 OT) |
| Sat, Oct 26 |  | vs Oklahoma | W, 26-14 |
| Sat, Nov 2 |  | @ Arkansas | W, 63-35 |
| Sat, Nov 16 |  | vs Georgia | W, 28-10 |
| Sat, Nov 23 |  | @ Florida | 11:00 AM ABC or ESPN |
| Sat, Nov 30 |  | vs Mississippi State | 2:30 PM ESPN or ABC |
London Taxi
July 10, 2019 at 1:25 am
Great ideas! How about a fanny pack hack? I’ve often thought that it would be a great idea. I fixed the basic school backpacks for hiking, with the chest strap, and they get to carry their own water, lunch, and jacket, but a fanny pack would be better for snacking while walking vs stopping to take off backpack.
agadir excursions
July 17, 2019 at 9:33 pm
Such a great post – a first aid kit is such an essential but I love that you also included sunscreen et al in your summer essentials.
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July 19, 2019 at 9:49 am
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Lisa
July 22, 2019 at 7:17 am
Great ideas! How about a fanny pack hack? I’ve often thought that it would be a great idea. I fixed the basic school backpacks for hiking, with the chest strap, and they get to carry their own water, lunch, and jacket, but a fanny pack would be better for snacking while walking vs stopping to take off the backpack.hotels in Sarlat
travel
July 23, 2019 at 11:54 am
Hello, Such a great post – a first aid kit is such an essential but I love that you also included sunscreen et al in your summer essentials. Thanks for sharing.
AirBNB Code
July 27, 2019 at 10:12 am
Hello, Travel is very important in life. I can’t wait until I’m at that stage in life where I get to travel for weeks on end. (I don’t know if I’ll ever get there, but a girl can dream, right?) Thanks for sharing your adventures with all of us!
tuky
August 4, 2019 at 12:07 am
Sounds like you had a great time! I wouldn’t look at your schedule being so busy as being a negative. One of the things I have found is that its good to go explore a Five star bunch of places so that you have a better idea where you’d like to hunker down on the following trip
ESTA Application
August 28, 2019 at 5:51 am
These are great apps, even helpful for first-time travelers. Thanks for sharing this post here. Travel brings a positive change in thinking and it can bring a change in life. They are many luxury hotels in the world which offer the best plan to travel under your budget.
tuky
September 13, 2019 at 6:49 am
I love AirBnBs especially when you’re traveling with a group and can split the costs of a bigger place across a few. The other underrated benefit is that most of them will have a kitchen which saves a ton on food costs when traveling as you can eat in versus eating out.Kealakekua Bay snorkeling
emma
October 20, 2019 at 2:38 am
Hello, Really this information was helpful. I will share this with my social media account. Thanks for sharing. I admire people who travel both for pleasure and for learning experiences…… There’s so much to learn about the world. … And travelling provides a different learning experience than just reading something about the place…..Travel to some different places in the world and stay in different luxury hotels is the best way to enjoy your life.Marketing Kona
Linda
March 26, 2020 at 6:20 pm
Nice Safety Tips for Memorial Day and Summer Travel, Thanks!
biaya umroh
April 11, 2020 at 3:41 am
Thank you, your writing is very informative biaya umroh
Vacationing in the summer is one of the most enjoyable activities.