Mississippi drivers should expect heavy congestion, stepped-up enforcement and a return to pre-pandemic travel volumes as millions of people hit the road for Thanksgiving celebrations this week.
AAA spokesman Don Redman says they’re projecting one of the busiest holiday travel periods in years, with roughly 8.5 million more people travelling than last year.
“We’re in uncharted territory now,” Readman said. “Nearly 82 million people will be on the move, and then when you look into the Gulf South, you’re talking in excess of 10 million people are going to be traveling on the roadways.”
AAA says drivers should check their tires, batteries and spare before leaving home. Redman noted that about 19% of traffic fatalities nationally are linked to drowsy driving, and warned that drivers heading out shortly after Thanksgiving meals can be more tired than they realize.
To help ease congestion, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is suspending most construction statewide from Wednesday afternoon through Monday. While workers won’t be present, many existing lane closures will remain in place.
MDOT Public Information Officer Michael Flood said the goal is to “provide maximum travel capacity,” but he warned that distracted driving remains one of the agency’s biggest concerns.
“Drivers that use handheld devices are four times more likely to get in a serious crash, so we want everyone off their phones and paying attention to the road,” Flood said.
Flood also urged travelers to leave early, expect steady traffic throughout the week and use MDOT’s traffic app to check for wrecks or delays.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol’s Thanksgiving enforcement period begins Tuesday at 5 p.m. and runs through the end of the day Saturday. Troopers will be watching for speeding, impaired driving, seat belt violations and aggressive behavior as volumes increase.
Last Thanksgiving, MHP recorded two fatal crashes, made 80 DUI arrests and issued more than 6,600 citations. Lt. Kervin Stewart said troopers will again be out in “extra numbers” and encouraged drivers to prioritize rest.
“There's gonna be a lot of people out there, traffic's gonna be backed up and don't let it get the best of you,” Stewart said. “Just be patient with the other drivers and don't get into any road rage situations. Just let it go.”
Stewart also warned drivers on I-20 between Jackson and Vicksburg to expect delays due to an ongoing construction project that will continue into next year.
Road safety officials urge drivers to plan ahead and give themselves extra time.
