TUPELO, MS: The National Park Service (NPS) Traffic Safety Coalition awarded Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) Rangers Timothy McElwain and Keith Schumann traffic safety awards for their efforts in traffic enforcement. McElwain received the Traffic Safety Excellence Award and Schumann, who recently transferred to the Parkway from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, received the Award for Highway Safety Champion.
“Ranger McElwain has only been here a year, but he quickly learned the Parkway and has made an impact on traffic safety. Since his arrival, he has been involved in 31 arrests, almost all for Driving Under the Influence,” said Chief Ranger Sarah Davis. “We are also excited to have Keith Schumann join our team. He received the Highway Safety Champion award for his efforts in the Great Smoky Mountains, and we know he will make a difference here on the Parkway.”
“Four major issues contribute to collisions along the Parkway: excessive speed, failure to have a current driver’s license, being under the influence, and failure to wear a seatbelt,” continued Davis. “Although they are relatively newcomers to the Parkway, Rangers McElwain and Schumann provide the first line of defense for Parkway users. They, and the other rangers, patrol the Parkway every day in an effort to keep user safe.”
“Enhancing Parkway safety for all users constitutes our highest priority,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “There were nine fatalities along the 444-mile Parkway last year. Speed is a major contributing factor to motor vehicle collisions. The efforts of rangers, like Timothy and Keith, are essential to the safety of the Parkway users.”
Remember, Natchez Trace Parkway is a national park. It is a scenic byway – not an interstate freeway.
