The anticipated drunk driving that accompanies Labor Day weekend will mean the Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin the 2017 Labor Day Travel Enforcement Period on Friday at 6 p.m. and end Monday at midnight.
Over last year’s Labor Day weekend, MHP issued over 8,000 citations statewide and investigated 170 accidents with 57 injuries and one fatality. In Troop K, which includes Pearl River County, there were a total of 804 arrests and citations issued, 19 DUI arrests and 41 collisions involving six injuries, according to previous Item coverage.
With rain possibly playing a factor in this weekend’s driving conditions and enforcement period, MHP Captain Johnny Poulos said in an MHP release that state troopers will place emphasis on saturation patrols to deter speeding and reckless driving statewide. According to the release, Labor Day travelers are urged to lower speeds when weather conditions deteriorate. Wiper blades should be inspected to provide clear driving visibility. Drivers should ensure they have proper tire tread depth to avoid hydroplaning, the release states.
The release states that additional safety checkpoints will be set up across the state to promote seatbelt usage and sober driving.