Local law enforcement agencies will be participating in a nationwide drive sober or get pulled over enforcement campaign that will run until Jan. 1.

The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department will have increased patrols and safety checkpoints throughout the county looking for suspected drunk driving, said Maj. Joe Quave.

Holiday celebrations often include alcoholic beverages, which can cause an increase in alcohol related incidents, Quave said.

The campaign is coordinated through the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, he said.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol will also have an aggressive enforcement plan for the holidays, said Troop K Public Information Officer Calvin Robertson.

The enforcement period for Christmas will be Dec. 23 through Dec. 25, and the New Year’s enforcement dates will be released soon, said Robertson.

MHP will be looking incidents of speeding, drunk driving, drivers under the influence of drugs and seat belt use violations. The goal is to reduce traffic crashes and fatal collisions, Robertson said. Motorists can expect the same enforcement statewide.

According to previous coverage, Troopers worked more than 200 vehicle-related collisions and arrested more than 100 people for DUI offenses statewide during the 2018 December holiday enforcement period.

During the 2018 enforcement period, Troopers investigated two fatal collisions, one in Tate and one in Calhoun County, according to previous coverage.

Troop K, which covers six coastal counties including Pearl River, worked 16 collisions and made five DUI arrests during the Dec. 21 to Dec. 25, 2018 enforcement period, according to previous coverage.