Eight States Partner for I-10 Safety Blitz

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is collaborating with other southern border states in an effort to keep the roadways safe and fatality-free over the Labor Day holiday weekend. All eight states that line Interstate 10, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, will be participating in an intensified enforcement effort called “10-8 on 10, One Road, One Mission.” By all states working together, the entire 2,460 miles of I-10 will be covered under this enforcement action.

During the four-day period beginning August 30 and continuing through September 2, law enforcement agencies in each state will conduct special details on I-10. The details will focus on stopping drunk and drugged drivers, aggressive drivers, speeders and drivers who fail to move over to the left hand lane when a law enforcement, emergency or tow vehicle is parked on the side of the road. In addition, troopers will be checking for distracted driving, seat belt use, improper lane changes and commercial vehicle safety. While these focus areas are something the Patrol does every day, it is the first time that the eight states have teamed up to ensure interstate travelers will see the same enforcement effort throughout their trip.

“We have participated in this type of cooperative effort on a regional scale and it is an effective way to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving practices,” said Colonel Donnell Berry, director of the

Mississippi Highway Patrol. “A coast-to-coast initiative such as this should have a profound impact on the number of lives saved this Labor Day Holiday Weekend.”

Below are some tips to ensure travelers arrive safely at their destination:

Get plenty of rest before setting out on a long trip and allow plenty of time to reach your destination;

Buckle up. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature;

Obey all speed limits;

Drive sober and alert;

Eliminate driver distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the stereo, etc. Anything that can take your eyes off the road, even a second, can lead to an accident.

Take steps before you leave to prepare your vehicle for the trip i.e. checking tire pressure/condition and fluid levels.

WHAT OTHER STATE’S LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT 10-8 ON 10, ONE ROAD, ONE MISSION:

FLA: “The partnerships we have formed with the seven states along the I-10 corridor shows that we are

serious about improving public safety through an intensified enforcement operation,” said

Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “In an effort to reduce traffic fatalities,

traffic crashes, and unlawful activity associated with our roadways, we will be out in force during

the Labor Day holiday period.”

TX: “Interstate 10 is a highly traveled corridor throughout Texas – with nearly 880 miles of roadway – and these targeted patrols are designed to save lives by looking for dangerous and distracted drivers,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven C. McCraw. “This coordinated effort with our state law enforcement partners along I-10 will become a force multiplier in keeping our roads and communities safe during the holiday.”

AL: “As Alabama State Troopers, we strive to make a positive difference on Alabama roadways. But when we team up with law enforcement partners from other states – particularly during such safety campaigns as 10-8 on 10 — we can be even more effective and make a greater impact,” said Col. Hugh B. McCall, director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety and the state’s highest-ranking trooper.

NM: “This Labor Day’s I-10 project is showing great concern for traveling motorists from New Mexico to Florida. The brotherhood of state law enforcement agencies have a common prerogative for this project: all motorists get to their destination safely. I’m confident this mission and goal will be accomplished with the show of force from the State Police and Highway Patrol Agencies. May the officers from all agencies be safe while ’10-8.'”

AZ: “Arizona is proud to be a part of this tremendous national effort to prevent highway collisions from coast to coast” said Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Robert Holiday. “Our Highway Patrol officers will be out in force patrolling our 391 miles of Interstate 10 looking for speeders, aggressive, distracted and impaired drivers and occupant restraint violations. Getting motorists to slow down and pay attention to their driving helps save lives. We will be 10-8 on I-10 in this very important enforcement effort.”

CA: “It has been proven that through education and enforcement, lives can be saved,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow. “This holiday weekend the motoring public is encouraged to challenge themselves to make a difference by making smart decisions such as always wearing a seat belt, adhering to a safe legal speed, designating a driver before the celebration begins, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel.”

LA: “Serious injury and fatal crashes are not restricted by parish lines or state boundaries. Unfortunately, these crashes are more prevalent during holiday periods such as the Labor Day weekend,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “The only way that we can affect change is by aggressive enforcement, a proactive public education campaign and public safety partnerships. The Louisiana State Police is excited to partner with all of the agencies along the I-10 corridor from coast to coast to ensure a safe holiday period for the citizens we serve.”