The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) has wrapped up its 2020 Fourth of July enforcement period which began Friday, July 3, at 12:01 a.m. and ended Sunday, July 5, at midnight.

Throughout the period, MHP issued 4,378 citations with 116 DUI arrests. A total of 137 crashes were investigated including 4 fatalities and 43 injuries on state, federal highways, and interstate systems.

The four fatalities occurred in Leflore, Tishomingo, Calhoun, and Lauderdale counties.

On Friday, July 3rd, at approximately 12:46 a.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal traffic crash on US 82 in Leflore County. A Dodge Charger driven by 25-year-old Xavaier D. Brister of Itta Bena was traveling eastbound on US 82. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. Brister was pronounced dead at the scene.

Also on Friday, July 3rd, at approximately 3:58 p.m., MHP responded to a fatal traffic crash on MS25 in Tishomingo County. A 2015 Ford pickup driven by 59-year-old Danny R. Hester of Tuscumbia, AL was traveling northbound on MS25. A 2015 Buick Verano driven by 20-year-old Hunter C. Musgrave of Dennis, MS was traveling northbound on MS25 behind the Ford pickup. A 1998 Jeep SUV driven by 50-year-old Robert J. Foster of Tishomingo, MS was traveling southbound on MS25 and entered into the northbound lane colliding with the Ford pickup. Following the impact, the Buick Verano collided with the rear of Ford pickup.  Foster received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on scene.

On Saturday, July 4th, at approximately 5:56 p.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal traffic crash on MS8 in Calhoun County. A 2001 Ford Expedition driven by 23-year-old Christopher Q. Pittman of Greenville was traveling eastbound on MS8. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned. Pittman and passenger 25-year-old Martin D. Foote of Woodland received moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Passenger 20-year-old Courtney D. Burchfield of Houston, MS received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Sunday, July 5th, at approximately 11:50 a.m., MHP responded to a fatal traffic crash on MS494 in Lauderdale County. A 2004 Toyota Sequoia driven by 51-year-old James M. Brand of Ocean Springs was traveling westbound on MS494. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree stump ejecting the driver. Brand was pronounced dead on scene.

All crashes are currently under investigation by MHP.

As the Mississippi Highway Patrol’s “Drive Right Mississippi” safety initiative continues through the heavily traveled month of July, motorists are urged to be mindful of the “Left Hand Lane Law”, obey posted speed limits, avoid driver distractions, and ensure everyone is properly restrained.