The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) wrapped up its 2025 Independence Day Holiday Travel Period at midnight on Sunday, July 6th. The enforcement period, which commenced at midnight on Friday, July 3rd, saw a significant reduction in citations and accidents compared to the previous year.
During this year’s travel period, MHP issued 4,818 citations, a notable decrease from the 6,474 citations issued in 2024. The patrol also arrested 74 individuals for impaired driving and cited 577 motorists for occupant restraint violations. Officers responded to 90 crashes, which resulted in 34 injuries. Tragically, there was one fatal crash in Simpson County that claimed the life of a young driver.
Details of Fatal Crash in Simpson County:
On July 6, 2025, at approximately 12:21 p.m., authorities responded to a fatal collision on MS-28 in Simpson County. The accident involved a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 22-year-old Jadarrian Burton of Prentiss, MS, and a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by 77-year-old Judith Polk, with 48-year-old John Polk as a passenger, both also from Prentiss. The vehicles collided head-on while traveling in opposite directions.
The occupants of the Ford were transported to Magee General Hospital with injuries that remain unspecified. Jadarrian Burton suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is currently under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
2025 Holiday Travel Statistics:
- Citations: 4,818
- Seatbelt and Child Restraint Violations: 577
- DUI Arrests: 74
- Total Crashes: 90
- Fatal Crashes: 1
- Fatalities: 1
- Motorist Assists: 68
Comparison to 2024:
Last year, the holiday travel period saw higher figures across the board, with 6,474 citations, 876 seatbelt and child restraint violations, 149 DUI arrests, 141 crashes, and four fatal crashes resulting in four fatalities. The 2025 statistics indicate a positive trend with fewer violations and a decrease in both crashes and fatalities.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to emphasize the importance of road safety and urges motorists to remain vigilant and responsible while driving.
