Mississippi Highway Patrol reports Memorial Day traffic stats

The Mississippi Highway Patrol released the number of arrests and citations made during its 2018 Memorial Day Travel Enforcement Period along with the “Drive to Survive” safety initiative.

The period of enforcement began on Friday, May 25 at 6 p.m. and ended on Monday, May 28 at midnight.

Throughout this time, MHP issued 5,921 citations with 109 DUI arrests. A total of 156 crashes were investigated, including one fatality and 54 injuries on state and federal highways and interstate systems.

For the fatality, on Monday at approximately 12:13 p.m., MHP responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of MS 25 and Sturgis Road.

A 2004 maroon Mercury Grand Marquis driven by 79-year-old Ida White, of Louisville, entered the crossover of MS 25 at Sturgis Road attempting to travel east onto Sturgis Road.

As the vehicle entered the northbound lanes of MS 25, a white 2011 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 40-yearold Jones McArthur, of Monroe, Louisiana, collided into the passenger side of the Mercury.

McArthur was transported to OCH in stable condition, while White died while being transported to Winston Medical Center. This crash remains under investigation by MHP.

The results from the “Drive to Survive” campaign showed an increase in seatbelt and child restraint citations compared to the same period in 2017.

This year, MHP made 717 seatbelt and 104 child restraint citations. In 2017, there were 191 seatbelt and 45 child restraint citations.

MHP investigated total of 156 collisions and two alcohol related collisions. The total amount of injuries reported were 54, and one fatal collision and fatality.

Out of the nine Troops, Troop G made a tool of 609 citations or arrests through the Memorial Day Travel Enforcement Period, and 679 citations or arrests through the “Drive to Survive” safety initiative.

Troop G covers 10 counties, which includes: Calhoun County, Chickasaw County, Monroe County, Webster County, Choctaw County, Oktibbeha County, Clay County, Lowndes County, Winston County and Noxubee County.

Troop G made a total of 391 hazard citations, 201 nonhazard citations, 15 DUI arrests, no drug arrests and two felony arrests.

There were a total of 57 seatbelt citations, 13 child restraint citations and eight motorist assist.

Troop G responded to a total of 16 collisions, with six injuries.