The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin the 2017 Labor Day Travel Enforcement Period on Friday at 6 p.m. and conclude Monday, September 4, at midnight.

During that time, there will be increased patrols and safety checkpoints throughout the state.

“In the Jackson Troop C district (which includes Warren County), we normally conduct safety checkpoints,” Mississippi Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Eric Henry said in a release. “Due to our low man-power issues, we will have troopers on our major highways for high visibility to decrease automobiles crashes and enforce speeding, seatbelts and distracted/ careless driving violations.”

MHP reported that during the 2016 Labor Day weekend, officers worked 170 traffic accidents including one fatal accident.

“Our goal is to insure the safety of the motorist passing through and traveling in the state of Mississippi and also to have zero fatalities,” Henry said. “We are also having zero tolerance on drinking and driving.”

MHP recommends that drivers check their wiper blades and tires before leaving due to the potential for inclement weather over the weekend.

“Due to anticipation of heavy traffic and inclement weather associated with Tropical Storm Harvey, State Troopers will place emphasis on saturation patrols to combat speeding and reckless driving,” MHP director of public affairs Johnny Poulos said in a release. “Motorists planning to travel during the holiday weekend are urged to lower speeds when weather conditions are encountered.”

Poulos added that safety checkpoints to check for seatbelt usage and impaired drivers will be set up throughout the state.

“We’re hoping all motorists and families will enjoy the last holiday weekend of the summer and arrive at their destinations safely,” Poulos said.