JACKSON —With Christmas right around the corner, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is aiming to spread a little extra holiday cheer on Mississippi’s highways, and needs the community’s help.

 

Now until Dec. 2, residents can submit clever holiday messages for a chance to see them on MDOT’s digital message signs throughout the state.

 

“Driver safety, especially with many of us traveling to see loved ones during the holidays, remains MDOT’s utmost priority. The DMS boards you see along Mississippi highways are a useful tool to help spread our message, remind drivers about the importance of safe driving, and provide some helpful tips,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “MDOT’s 12 Days of Christmas sign contest is a great way for us to engage with the public, spread a little holiday joy and get the safest possible travel out of Mississippi motorists.”

 

Traffic safety messages appear on DMS boards along highways and interstates throughout Mississippi. These 12 days of messages may revolve around Christmas-themed movies, songs and characters. Any local emergency messages and traffic updates automatically override scheduled messages on the DMS boards.

 

The winning messages will be displayed starting Thursday, Dec. 14, and drivers will see a new holiday-themed safety message each day with the final one posted on Dec. 25.

 

There is no limit to the number of messages residents can submit, but below are some guidelines to remember:

 

— The message must relate to traffic safety.

 

— Signs can only accommodate three lines and 21 characters per line, including spaces.

 

— Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed.

 

— No emojis.

 

Some of MDOT’s favorite holiday messages from 2023 include:

 

BETTER WATCH OUT

BETTER NOT FLY

MHP CAN SHOW YOU WHY.

 

DISTRACTED DRIVING?

ARE YOU

SERIOUS CLARK?

 

OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS

AND AVOID

A BLUE CHRISTMAS

 

“In addition to submitting holiday messages, be sure to practice safe driving this holiday season. Remind your friends and family to do the same,” said White. “Buckle up, cut out distracted driving and always drive sober. Let’s do our part to make sure we all make it to our holiday destinations safely.”