MDOT provides safety tips for Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is this week and MDOT want to remind everyone to be safe on the roads while traveling.

AAA estimates nearly 49 million people will travel by car this year.

To keep traffic moving, MDOT crews and contractors will limit road construction that requires lane closure beginning the afternoon of November 22 through next Monday – November 27.

All construction will halt on Thanksgiving Day.

MDOT’s David Kenney gave tips on ways to stay safe while traveling.

“Here are three things you need to know for Thanksgiving travel 2023. Number 1 before you go over the river and through the woods, check the traffic on the MDOT app to avoid delays. You can get it for free in the Apple or Google Play store. Number 2, distracted drivers don’t get any pumpkin pie. Remember, phone down eyes up. And number 3, don’t be a turkey and show up to Thanksgiving baked and basted or you’ll find yourself at the kid’s table. Always drive sober on Mississippi highways.”

Other tips MDOT gives include getting plenty of rest and planning frequent stops if driving long distances.

Watch out for wildlife on the roads as well, cooler temperatures mean deer and other wildlife are more active near highways.