MHP to Beef Up Patrols on State Highways Over Labor Day Weekend

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is preparing for the 2023 Labor Day holiday travel period, which begins today at 6 a.m. and will conclude on Monday at midnight.

“We know there will be a host of travelers for the Labor Day weekend, and promoting safety will always be the main goal for the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Over this enforcement period, we ask those who are traveling to do their part and practice safe and responsible driving habits.”

Troopers will be tasked with high-visibility patrols and will be conducting safety checkpoints to promote safe travel and reduce fatal crashes over the Labor Day holiday travel period.

An emphasis on deterring speeding and impaired or distracted driving and promoting seatbelt usage will be the primary goal over the holiday weekend.

“As we bid farewell to summer, safety is still a priority,” said Lt. Colonel Malachi Sanders, Assistant Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. “Many families will travel to enjoy summer’s last official holiday, and with it being the first weekend for SEC Football, our roads will be busy. Please be considerate while driving as we share the roadway with fellow Mississippians.”

During the 2022 Labor Day holiday travel period, MHP investigated 143 crashes with three fatalities and made 270 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems.

None of the fatal wrecks occurred in Lafayette County.

MHP also issued 1089 citations for occupant restraint violations during that enforcement period.

Staff report