Mississippi Highway Patrol Releases Report of Fourth of July Holiday Enforcement

The Mississippi Highway Patrol concluded the 2015 Fourth of July Holiday Enforcement Period Sunday at midnight.

Throughout the period which began Friday, MHP issued 4,333 citations including 125 DUI arrests and investigated 138 traffic crashes involving 2 fatalities statewide. This was a substantial decrease in fatalities since the seven fatalities recorded for the 2014 Fourth of July period.

Mississippi Highway Patrol

Public Safety Commissioner Albert Santa Cruz was very appreciative of the new 48 Troopers added to the ranks for the holiday period.

“These additional troopers not only made a difference from an enforcement aspect but greatly improved response times regarding traffic crashes. This was a huge asset taking into account the number of crashes investigated and the inclement weather experienced across the state,” said Santa Cruz.

Director of MHP, Colonel Donnel Berry, shared similar sentiments.

He said, “Visibility of troopers patrolling the roadways in Mississippi plays a huge role in traffic safety. Drivers are more inclined to focus on their driving habits when Troopers are seen on a regular basis.”

Information regarding the fatalities are as follows:

On Saturday, July 4, Loreal Carter, 27 from Dekalb, was driving a 1997 Chevrolet passenger car eastbound on Highway 16 in Kemper County. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene and the accident is still under investigation.

On Sunday, July 5, Amanda Ramshur, 26 from Biloxi, was driving a 2006 Toyota SUV northbound on Highway 57 in George County. The vehicle left the roadway and then entered Black Creek. It was submerged in approximately 25 feet of water. She was pronounced dead at the scene and the accident is still under investigation.

Information provided by Lieutenant Johnny Poulos, the Director of Public Affairs Division of Mississippi Highway Patrol