JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Highway Patrol is preparing for the 2025–2026 New Year Holiday Travel Period, launching an enhanced statewide enforcement effort aimed at keeping roads safe as celebrations begin.
The travel period starts Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at 6 a.m. and continues through midnight on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Troopers will increase patrols on state and federal highways, with a focus on speeding, seat belt violations and identifying impaired drivers.
Commissioner Sean Tindell urged Mississippians to make safety a priority as they ring in the new year.
“The Christmas travel period has just ended, and now we’re preparing for the New Year’s Eve travel period. Our goal remains the same — to keep Mississippi and our roadways safe. Please drive safe and have a plan for all your New Year’s celebrations,” Tindell said.
During the 2024–2025 New Year Holiday Travel Period, MHP responded to 68 crashes, including one fatal wreck, and made 27 DUI arrests.
The agency says its increased presence is intended to reduce crashes and encourage responsible driving as thousands of residents travel to and from holiday events.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
