MHP issues Labor Day traffic enforcement period update

There were more citations issued during the recently completed Labor Day Holiday travel enforcement period in Mississippi compared to last Labor Day weekend and the number of fatalities on state highways were cut in half. The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) issued their report for the weekend on Tuesday morning, Sept. 6.

MHP reported that there were three fatalities that occurred during the weekend enforcement period, which began Friday, Sept. 2 at 6 a.m. and ended Monday at 12 midnight.  That is compared to six fatalities on Mississippi highways last Labor Day weekend.  

James Holifield, age 69 of Lucedale died in a George County crash on Saturday afternoon, 44-year old Marcus Flowers of Leland died in a Washington County collision early Sunday morning, and 74-year David Gaddis of Meridian died in a Lauderdale County collision Monday afternoon.  

Statewide, there were 10,026 citations issued by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, including 1,089 seatbelt and child restraint violations.  DUIs numbered 270 and troopers were called to investigate 143 crashes.  

In the Troop E Batesville area that includes DeSoto County, there were 14 collisions and no fatalities reported. There were 57 seat belt violations and 17 child restraint violations cited, 42 DUI arrests and 10 arrests on drug charges.