Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop E troopers worked 24 wrecks and arrested 16 people for driving under the influence during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Troop E troopers patrol Lafayette County’s highways, including Highways 7, 30, 9, 314 and 334.

Around the state, troopers investigated 170 wrecks with four being directly related to alcohol. There was one fatal wreck in Noxubee County where Tommie J. Harris was killed when the vehicle he was a passenger in left the road and struck a tree on Highway 14.

The enforcement period began at 6 p.m. Friday and ended Monday at midnight. Statewide, troopers issued 8,442 citations with 175 DUI arrests.

“Although MHP experienced a significant increase in traffic crashes, DUI arrests, and seatbelt citations throughout the 2016 period versus 2015, we did see a reduction in fatalities regarding the period,” said MHP spokesman Capt. Johnny Poulos. “MHP recorded four (fatalities) in 2015. We credit this to responsible driving by motorists, statewide law enforcement efforts, and safe driving messages promoted by the media.”

Troop E troopers issued 48 citations for no seat belt and five for child restraint infractions. There were no drug or felony arrests. Troopers issued a total of 676 citations in Troop E.