MHP Reports Busy July 4 Enforcement Period
The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) has reported heightened law enforcement activity during the July 4 holiday period. The enforcement numbers show increases in almost every category when compared to the figures from 2020.
Increased Citations and Impaired Driving Arrests
During this year’s July 4 enforcement period, MHP officers issued over 6,400 tickets, indicating a substantial number of road safety violations. Of these, a significant portion were related to impaired driving, with 149 people arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
This is a noticeable increase from the 2020 July 4 enforcement period which saw just over 4,400 citations issued over a two-day span, 53 of which were DUI arrests.
Rise in Traffic Accidents
Alongside the upswing in the number of citations and impaired driving arrests, MHP is also investigating a high number of traffic incidents that occurred over the holiday period. A total of 141 crashes are currently under investigation by MHP officers, four of which tragically resulted in fatalities.
The fatal accidents occurred in Pearl River, Scott, Sunflower, and Pike counties. However, it’s important to note that an increase in travel days during this year’s holiday period might be the reason behind the surge in accidents compared to the number of fatal crashes last year, which recorded the same number, but over a shorter travel period.
Extended Enforcement Period
The 2021 enforcement period started on the morning of July 4 and carried through to midnight on Sunday. In comparison, the 2020 enforcement period ran for just two days, a factor that needs to be considered when comparing the year-on-year enforcement figures.
Continued Vigilance Urged
Public safety remains the top priority for the MHP, who emphasize the importance of safe driving practices at all times. Given the busy July 4 enforcement period, authorities are urging road users to remain vigilant, observe traffic rules, and avoid impaired driving to help lower the number of traffic accidents and increase overall road safety.
