The Mississippi Highway Patrol reported one fatal wreck over its 2024-2025 New Year Holiday Travel Period.

On Wednesday, Jan. 1, at approximately 2:55 p.m., troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 22 in Union County. A 2010 Mazda 3 — driven by 42-year-old Van Wade of Tupelo — was traveling south on I-22 when it left the roadway on the southbound side, and struck a tree.

Wade suffered fatal injuries from the wreck, and was pronounced dead on the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by MHP.

MHP began its enforcement period at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, and concluded it at midnight, Wednesday, Jan. 1. Troopers reported fewer citations, crashes, and motorist assists, and significantly fewer DUI arrests from the previous year’s New Year period. The same number of injuries and fatal crashes were reported.

 

Travel totals compared

• Citations — 3,038 (4,865 in 2023-2024)
• Seatbelt and child restraint — 333 (456 in 2023-2024)
• DUI arrests — 27 (77 in 2023-2024)
• Motorist assists — 40 (58 in 2023-2024)
• Crashes — 68 (119 in 2023-2024)
• Injuries — 21 (same)
• Fatal crashes — 1 (same)
• Fatalities — 1 (same)