Drivers, especially teenagers, need to “Pay Attention or Pay a Fine” during October, which is an especially risky month for teens on roadways, Mississippi Highway Patrol officials say.
The statewide safety campaign is a three-step approach by law enforcement to educate young drivers about the responsibilities involved with operating a motor vehicle, said Capt. Johnny Poulos, MHP director of public affairs.
“Recent studies concerning traffic crashes in Mississippi over the last three years show the month of October to have a high number of traffic fatalities,” he said. “The studies also show a large number of Mississippi teenagers were involved in these traffic deaths.”
The first part of the program is educating teenagers through safety presentations, Poulos said.
The second step is communication between state troopers and driver education teachers around the state.
“Resources will be provided to them concerning traffic crash data that can be used in a classroom setting, while also providing support and information pertaining to the issuance of student driver’s licenses,” Poulos said.
He said the final step of the campaign is traffic enforcement through careful observation of reckless and distracted drivers.
Throughout the month, speed limits and seatbelt laws will be strictly enforced.
“We are placing emphasis on teen driving, but this campaign pertains to all of the motoring public,” Poulos said. “Our goal is not to raise the number of traffic citations issued, but to lower the number of knocks made on the doors of families to notify them of a loved one not returning home.”
He said while communication, education and cooperation will help the campaign, good decision making by drivers is also essential.
“We’re hoping people realize that sometimes the price can be a lot higher than just a fine,” he said.
