According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), there was a massive raise in the number of issued citations, arrests, and crashes over the Labor Day weekend.
The MHP issued a total of 10,026 citations, made 270 arrests for impaired driving, and cited 1,089 motorists for occupant restraint violations during the weekend’s enhanced enforcement period. Additionally, the MHP investigated 143 crashes resulting in 46 injuries. Three deaths occurred from three fatal crashes in George, Washington, and Lauderdale.
| Labor Day Yearly Totals | 2022 | 2021 |
| Citations | 10,026 | 6,635 |
| Seatbelt, Child Restraint | 1,089 | 443 |
| DUIs | 270 | 186 |
| Crashes | 143 | 146 |
| Fatal Crashes | 3 | 6 |
| Fatalities | 3 | 6 |
| Motorist Assist | 106 | 149 |
Three deaths from three fatal crashes in George, Washington, and Lauderdale counties were reported on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
The first crash occurred on Highway 613 in George County when 69-year-old James Holifield of Lucedale collided with 43-year-old Johnathan Dungan of Lucedale. James Holifield received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead.
On Sunday, 44-year-old Marcus Flowers of Leland was traveling west on Highway 82 when he collided with 36-year-old Joseph Hudson of Greenville. Marcus Flowers received fatal injuries from the crash.
The last wreck was between 33-year-old Cassie Warbington of Meridian and 74- year-old David Gaddis of Meridian after Warbington crashed into Gaddis’ tractor. Gaddis received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The MHP is currently investigating all three fatal crashes.
