JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – With Independence Day approaching, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging holiday travelers to make smart choices and prioritize safety by not drinking and driving.

The Fourth of July has long had the reputation of being one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk driving-related crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 487 people died in motor vehicle accidents during the Fourth of July holiday period in 2022. Of those fatalities, 40% occurred in drunk driving crashes.

“Independence Day is a time for friends and family to gather and celebrate the birth of our great nation, and it is essential that we take all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “The increased traffic surrounding the Fourth of July emphasizes the need for road safety. Driving impaired or distracted could result in a fatal accident. Show your love for your country by keeping it safe and not letting anyone, including yourself, drive impaired.”

To enjoy a safe and responsible holiday, MDOT recommends the following tips:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before drinking.
• If you are impaired, call a taxi, transportation service, sober friend or family member, or take public transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call law enforcement.
• If you see someone who is about to drive under the influence, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get home.

To provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays, MDOT crews and contractors will halt all non-emergent lane closures from Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7. While most construction work will pause, drivers should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place to protect the traveling public.

“MDOT wants to make travel as safe and convenient as possible for Mississippians on Independence Day,” said White. “Do your part by buckling up, staying alert and not driving distracted or impaired.”

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