Mississippi Highway Patrol investigated only four minor accidents over the Memorial Day weekend and credits respectful drivers for the low numbers.

“As the Memorial weekend comes to an end for the surrounding areas of District 9, Troop M appreciates all the responsible and vigilant drivers out on the roadways,” said Troop M spokesman Cpl. Brandon Fortenberry. “Lincoln County only had four minor accidents over the weekend that MHP investigated. This again is a result from drivers that show respect to one of the most dangerous things out there, which is the highway.”

During the Memorial Day enforcement period which began Friday, May 27, at 6 p.m., and ended Monday, May 30, at midnight, MHP throughout the state issued 8,893 citations with 164 DUI arrests. A total of 132 crashes were investigated including two fatalities and 49 injuries on state, federal highways and interstate systems.

In conjunction with the Click it or Ticket campaign, 1,779 seatbelt citations were issued along with 99 child restraint violations.

In Troop M — which covers Lincoln, Lawrence, Walthall, Pike, Amite, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams and Wilkinson counties — only six DUI arrests were reported as well as three drug arrests and one felony arrest. There were also citations issued for 151 seat belt violations, 12 child restraint violations and one incidence of public drunk.

Statewide, the Highway Patrol reported two fatalities over the Memorial Day weekend.

A mother and her 3-year-old son were killed in Lamar County in a two-vehicle accident, according to Capt. Johnny Poulos, director of public affairs.

Poulos said Bianca Brister, 29, from Foxworth  was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Impala with her two children, Travis Brister, 3, and Kirsten Brister, 5.

Brister was westbound on U.S. 98 when her car was struck head-on by a 2001 Ford pickup truck traveling east in the westbound lane on U.S. 98. The truck was driven by Larry Terrel, 75, of Franklinton, Louisiana.

Bianca Brister and Travis Brister were pronounced dead at the scene, Poulos said. Kirsten Brister was transported to Forrest General hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Terrel was transported to Forrest General with moderate injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.