More than 300 additional troopers on the roads - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

More than 300 additional troopers on the roads

Memorial Day weekend is here and that means lots of you have a three day weekend. However, officers aren't taking off. They're working extra to keep the roads safe.

In 2011, the Mississippi Highway Patrol recorded nine fatalities on the roads and highways during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Officers across the state want to help prevent a repeat of last year.

Through the annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which runs through June 3rd, 378 additional troopers will patrol the roads and highways. They'll enforce various DUI and seatbelt safety road blocks.

For seven years in a row now, the number of deaths on Mississippi's roads and highways has dropped. A contributing factor is more people buckling up.   

As you get on the road, here are some seatbelt myths you shouldn't fall for.

Myth number one is "if your car has airbags you don't need a seatbelt." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "air bags are designed to protect a buckled occupant. When unbuckled, airbags become less effective, or worse can become deadly themselves."

Another myth many people believe is young men don't need to wear seatbelts because they're better drivers. However, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that "66% of men 18-34, who were killed in fatal crashes, weren't buckled up. This is the highest of any age group.

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