The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) has concluded the Memorial Day Holiday Travel Enforcement Period, reporting 8,945 citations issued across the state in four days.
From Friday, May 26 at 6:00 a.m. to midnight on Tuesday, May 30, the MHP made 170 arrests for impaired driving and investigated 156 crashes.
During that time, 48 injuries were reported, along with three deaths as a result of three fatal crashes. The crashes occurred on Friday, May 26 in Yazoo County and on Tuesday, May 30 in Stone and Holmes County. All three incidents are currently being investigated by the MHP.
According to the MHP, the total number of citations issued has decreased by over 40 percent within the past year while the number of DUIs has dropped by nearly 55 percent.
Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its annual “Click It or Ticket” national seat belt enforcement mobilization with the goal of reminding drivers that seat belts save lives.
The media campaign, which runs over ads on the radio, TV, and digitally, is held throughout the end of May and into June.
| 2022 Totals | 2023 Totals | |
| Total Citations | 15,263 | 8,945 |
| Seatbelt and Child Restraint | 1,615 | 961 |
| DUIs | 375 | 170 |
| Crashes | 125 | 156 |
| Fatal Crashes | 4 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 4 | 3 |
| Motorist Assist | 109 | 135 |
