In an effort to decrease the number of fatalities on public highways in the areas they serve, local law enforcement and the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety have partnered to launch the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Christmas and New Year’s holiday blitz.

A news conference was held Monday at Anderson Regional Health System for the campaign, which begins Friday and continues through Jan. 1, 2017. According to Lt. Rita Jack of the Meridian Police Department and Meridian Law Enforcement Liaison Network Coordinator, MPD has joined forces with law enforcement from local and surrounding counties within Troop H (District 6), which includes Lauderdale, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Smith, Scott, Clarke, Jasper and Kemper.

“Agencies from these counties want you to know that if you drive in these counties, they will be out there and in full force,” Jack said. “We want to make sure we keep the roads safe from any accidents that involve alcohol and to make sure the public understands the importance of being a safe and sober driver.”

In 2014, Troop H investigated 37 fatalities, 2015 there were 40 fatalities, and in 2016 up to this point there have been 57 fatalities said Mississippi Highway Patrol Sgt. Andy West. The Drive Sober campaign goal is to decrease those numbers, particularly during the holiday season.

“I think it is clear to see the importance of this campaign,” West said. “The number we are most interested in is 57. It’s our goal as law enforcement officers to join our efforts and make sure that number does not increase at the end of the year.

“My advice to people drinking during the holidays is to plan beforehand, and get a designated driver before you get to that event,” he said.

Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun said the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, along with other local agencies, will be out in full force with sobriety checkpoints, as well as saturation points.

“You have to be the driver and pay attention to what you are doing,” Calhoun said. “That is your primary job – not checking your social media status, not having a conversation, not trying to eat lunch, but driving that automobile so you can take care of yourself and others on the road.”

Make the holidays special not a sad time for family, Calhoun said.

“Law enforcement officers are the ones that have to knock on the door to tell a family member that you are not going to be with them this holiday season,” Calhoun said. “Let’s not do that this year. Any crashes with serious injuries or fatalities are not acceptable.”

Capt. John Griffith with the Meridian Police Department said the MPD will do their part to keep impaired drivers off the streets.

“We will increase patrol with extra officers out during the peak hours,” Griffith said. “We will get drunk drivers off the streets and get them where they need to be so they won’t be a danger to themselves or others.

“It’s not only you or that person that pays the price, it’s the family members, too. If you have had anything to drink; have someone else drive because just a small amount can impair you. It’s an easy thing – just don’t drink and drive.”