The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued more than 4,400 tickets and worked four fatal wrecks, including one in northwest Mississippi, during the Fourth of July holiday travel period.
Troopers responded to a fatal crash on Highway 315 in Panola County July 3 around 4 p.m. A MHP report stated Verda Taylor, 63, of Sardis, died when her 2020 Nissan Murano collided with an oncoming 2016 Peterbilt. She died from the injuries. The truck driver, Charles L. Johnson, 55, of Enid, received moderate injuries.
The other two fatal wrecks on state highways and interstates occurred in Chickasaw, Itawamba and Marion Counties.
The annual two-day enforcement period to keep motorists safe began Monday, July 3, at 6 a.m., and ended Tuesday, July 4, at midnight. Statewide, troopers issued a total of 4,458 citations, made 49 arrests for impaired driving, and cited 508 motorists for occupant restraint violations.
MHP also investigated 76 crashes resulting in 30 injuries, including the four fatalities.
Batesville-based Troop E of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, which covers the northwest Mississippi area, worked 15 vehicle accidents with seven injuries. None of the collisions were alcohol related, according to MHP.
Troop E also issued six DUI citations, including one in Tate County, and made one drug arrest. Troopers also wrote 74 tickets for motorists not wearing a seat belt and nine for child restraint violations.
