Research shows drunk driving is the number one cause of death on the nation's roadways. Officials and advocates are asking Mississippians to take precautions before getting behind the wheel this holiday season. MPB's Ashley Norwood reports.
"It's deadly. I mean how much more harmful could that be, right," asked Sherrel Clarke.
Sherrel Clarke with Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Mississippi says driving under the influence is a threat to your life and the lives of others. During this time of year, Clarke says the number of crashes caused by an impaired driver increases significantly.
"There's more people on the road traveling, celebrating, drinking and then you've got to get abck to where you came from, from the party and the thing to do would be to arrange for somebody to drive you if you've been drinking anything at all. one drink. But, people generally don't do that," said Clarke.
Mississippi Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagart says driving under the influence of drugs are just as deadly.
"Alcohol, drugs and certain prescription medications can impair your thinking and certainly affect your reasoning and your muscle coordination," said Tagart.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin it's holiday travel enforcement period today, beefing up troopers on the state's highways. Last year there were no fatalities during the Christmas Period but there were more than 150 collisions.
Corporal Kervin Stewart si with Troop C in Central Mississippi.
"When you're driving, please wear your seatbelt and don't drink and drive. If you have kids make sure they are secured. Also, people are going to have a lot of packages in their vehicle because it's that time of year, so if you can secure those also because they can be a distraction and just kind of keep focus on what you're doing," said Stewart.
The Christmas travel enforcement period will conclude Tuesday, December 25 at midnight. Ashley Norwood, MPB News.
