MHP district here has most stops, interactions in state over holiday

The Mississippi Highway Patrol concluded its 2020 Christmas holiday travel period that began Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 12:01 a.m. and ended Sunday, Dec. 27 at midnight. MHP issued 5898 citations with 130 DUI arrests. 201 motor vehicle crashes were investigated which included 38 injuries and four fatalities on state, federal highways, and interstate systems.

Troop F, which includes Union County, reported the highest number of offenses in the state for each category except for child seats. However, the district had no fatalities or alcohol-related collisions and only 16 collisions of any type, resulting in three injuries.

Hazard Offense – 586

Non-Hazard Offense – 445

DUI – 36

Drug – 11

Felony – 4

Public Drunk – 0

Seat Belt – 91

Child Restraint – 10

Motorist Assist – 24

Grand Total – 1183

Total collisions – 16

Alcohol-related collisions – 0

Total Fatal Collisions – 0

Fatalities – 0

Fatalities Wearing Seatbelts – 0

Total Number Injuries – 3

The MHP did report some fatalities, however.

On Friday, Dec. 25, at approximately 2:09 a.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal traffic crash on US80 in Newton County. A 2003 Nissan Murano driven by Jeffrey A. Hunter, 50, of Forest, was traveling westbound on US80. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with tree. Jeffrey A. Hunter received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on scene.

On Friday, Dec. 25, at approximately 3:46 a.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal traffic crash on MS603 in Hancock County. A 2006 GMC pickup driven by Colton L. Northrup, 20, of Pass Christian, was traveling northbound on MS603. A 2016 Jeep SUV driven by Jessica M. Hoyt, 28, of Pulaski, Va. was traveling southbound on MS603. Both vehicles were involved in a head-on collision. Colton L. Northrup and Jessica M. Hoyt received fatal injuries from the crash and were pronounced dead on scene.

On Sunday, Dec. 27, at approximately 11:07 p.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal traffic crash on US45 in Clarke County. A 2002 Ford Explorer driven by Robert C. Wright, 28, of Foley, Ala. was traveling southbound on US45. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned. A passenger in the vehicle, Cody D. Wright, 21, received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on scene.

All crashes are currently under investigation by MHP.

The MHP safety initiative “Home for the Holidays” will continue through the end of the year in order to promote traffic safety.