MHP launches Christmas 2025 Safety Blitz
JACKSON, Miss. — As a record-breaking 122 million Americans prepare to hit the roads this season, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) is launching its 2025 Christmas Holiday Travel Enforcement Period. Starting at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, and continuing through midnight on Friday, Dec. 26, state troopers will be out in full force to ensure a safe holiday for all residents and visitors.
High-Visibility Patrols and Safety Checkpoints
Drivers across the Magnolia State should expect a significant increase in law enforcement presence. MHP’s strategy includes high-visibility patrol units and safety checkpoints positioned along major state and federal highways. The primary focus of these operations is twofold:
- Seat Belt Compliance: Ensuring all passengers are buckled up to prevent injuries.
- Impaired Driving: Identifying and removing drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“This is one of the busiest travel times of the year, so please stay alert and travel safely,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Tindell also expressed gratitude for the first responders working nonstop to protect communities during the festivities.
Lessons from 2024: The Push for Zero Fatalities
The 2025 enforcement push comes on the heels of a sobering holiday period last year. During the 2024 Christmas travel window, MHP responded to 172 crashes, resulting in four fatalities. Additionally, troopers made 54 DUI arrests, underscoring the persistent danger of impaired driving during the holidays.
With AAA projecting a 2.2 percent increase in travel volume this year, MHP is urging motorists to plan ahead. Beyond avoiding impaired driving, officials recommend:
- Checking Vehicle Readiness: Inspecting tires and fluid levels before long trips.
- Avoiding Distractions: Putting away cell phones to remain focused on heavy traffic.
- Monitoring Weather: Staying updated on potential winter road hazards.
Holiday Travel Forecast
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has also announced that most non-emergency highway construction will be suspended to provide maximum travel capacity. However, with gas prices in Mississippi remaining among the lowest in the nation, the surge in motorists means drivers should allow for extra travel time to avoid the “holiday rush.”
