TUPELO, MS – Early on Monday, December 17, Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) Rangers conducted early morning traffic safety checkpoints around the Tupelo area. This checkpoint was designed to remove impaired drivers, unlicensed drivers, and unlawfully operated vehicles from the Parkway during periods of peak traffic. Chief Ranger Sarah Davis advises, “Our statistics show that those using the Parkway to commute to and from work, as opposed to recreational visitors, are the drivers most likely to die in motor vehicle collisions.”
Davis also noted that, “Driving without a valid license or a suspended license is a common element in our fatal collisions.” Answering a commonly asked question, Davis confirmed that it is within the operational policies of the Parkway to tow vehicles that are operated without insurance. “We’ll give folks all the time they need to produce their proof of insurance at a checkpoint, but if a vehicle isn’t insured it isn’t welcome on the Parkway.”
Sarah Davis
District Ranger John Hearne called the operation a “great success.” Hearne noted that almost 800 vehicles were screened in a four hour period resulting in two arrests, 28 vehicles being towed, 43 tickets issued, and 39 warnings given.
“Based on what we’ve seen this morning, illegal drivers and unlawfully operated vehicles continue to be a problem,” 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.”
Media Release/Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway
