News Release
Kenzie Connor
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Contact: Katie Liming
GATLINBURG, Tenn.— The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors to slow down and enjoy the views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over the next month, park rangers in cooperation with partner agencies will conduct increased traffic safety enforcement throughout the park. Through this effort, the NPS aims to combat excessive speeding and reduce motor vehicle collisions.
Throughout the month, law enforcement rangers will be stationed throughout the park to enforce speed limits, reckless driving, unsecured loads, impaired driving and other traffic violations. They will use both marked and unmarked vehicles, as well as advanced technologies such as RADAR and LIDAR.
Excessive speed is a significant contributor to vehicular crashes and fatalities in the Smokies. To date this year, Great Smoky Mountain National Park rangers have responded to more than 152 motor vehicle collisions. On July 26 alone, the park responded to 7 motor vehicle accidents. Since 2013, the park has recorded 28 fatal motor vehicle collisions. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of fatalities in the park. Slowing down also protects wildlife. Park rangers respond to many reports of animals injured by motor vehicles every year.
-NPS-
Last updated: July 30, 2025