The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging drivers to prioritize safety during the Thanksgiving holiday, a period known for heavy travel. According to AAA, approximately 73 million Americans are expected to travel by car this Thanksgiving, marking an increase of 1.3 million from last year.
MDOT Executive Director Brad White emphasized the importance of safe driving practices: “Every year, Thanksgiving travel numbers go up, and that means more motorists sharing the road with you.” He advised drivers to avoid distractions such as mobile phones and to drive sober.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights that texting while driving can significantly increase the risk of accidents. At 55 miles per hour, a driver who texts is effectively traveling blind for the length of a football field. Drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in serious crashes.
White stressed the importance of staying focused: “A serious accident can happen in the blink of an eye, which is why you should always keep your eyes on the road.”
MDOT recommends several safety measures for travelers: planning ahead and allowing extra time, using seatbelts, exercising caution in work zones, and being vigilant for wildlife near highways. Additionally, they advise against impaired driving and suggest having a designated driver if necessary.
To minimize construction delays over the holiday weekend, MDOT will suspend non-emergent lane closures from Wednesday afternoon through Monday morning. However, some lane closures will remain for safety reasons.
For further information on safe travel tips this season, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms. Travelers can also access real-time traffic updates via the MDOT Traffic Mobile App or by visiting MDOTtraffic.com. Social media updates are available by following @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Information from this article can be found here.
