TUPELO, MS– We celebrate Independence Day as a time when friends and family gather together to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence by our forefathers. While we commemorate the freedom, we also need to maintain a sense of responsibility by promoting safe driving.
During the summer the dispatchers, who operate the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) 
Communications Center, receive an increase in phone calls from visitors and other agencies. Calls vary from requesting information about road conditions to notifying the National Park Service of violations or emergencies along the Parkway. Although dispatchers are seldom seen, they are highly skilled at assisting visitors and providing emergency services.
The Communications Center dispatchers ask that as you travel this holiday weekend, please be vigilant of your surroundings. While driving:
- do not use your cell phone;
- stay within the posted speed limits;
- wear your seatbelt; and
- always use a designated driver
Since safety is our number one priority, there will be increased ranger patrols using both marked and unmarked vehicles.
“Keep track of your location and use the Parkway mile markers. The mile markers are located on the right side of the road as you travel north and on the left side as you travel south. This information will ensure dispatchers are able to provide you with the most adequate and prompt services. Also, remember to provide a name and callback number in the event the call is disconnected or further details are needed. Help us help you,” stated Supervisory Dispatcher Amanda Allred.
If you need information while traveling on the Parkway, call (800) 305-7417. In case of emergency, call (800) 300-PARK (7275) or 911.For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway please visit www.nps.gov.natr or call (800) 305-7417.
Media Release/Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway
