Early Morning Traffic Safety Checkpoints

Date: December 19, 2017
Contact: Sarah Davis, [phone]

LEE CO, MS – For the last two Mondays, Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) Rangers have conducted early morning traffic safety checkpoints around the Tupelo area. These checkpoints are designed to remove impaired drivers, unlicensed drivers, and unlawfully operated vehicles from the Parkway during periods of peak traffic. Chief Ranger Sarah Davis advises that “those using the Parkway as a commuter route are the persons most likely to die in motor vehicle collisions.” Davis also noted that “driving on a suspended, revoked, or expired license is a common element in our fatal collisions.”

District Ranger John Hearne called the operation as “very effective.” Hearne noted that over 800 vehicles were screened resulting in twenty-eight (28) vehicles being towed, forty-six (46) tickets being issued, and ninety-seven (97) warnings given for a variety of violations.

“Our enhanced enforcement efforts will continue throughout the holiday season” Hearne said. “Expect to see more checkpoints and an increased level of patrol activity along the Parkway as we work to keep the Parkway safe for everyone.”

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