MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s no secret that Memphis has a problem when it comes to highway shootings.
For years, there have been efforts to stop them from happening, but it may not be happening as often as we’ve seen in the past.
When you’re out on the road, you have to be a defensive driver following traffic rules, signs, and signals. The last thing you want to worry about when it comes to safety is road rage. It is real and it happens.
It’s an on-going issue that police have addressed time and time again.
Memphis has seen its share of interstate shootings. One incident took place as recently as Tuesday morning.
Westbound lanes of I-240 east at Lamar near Getwell were closed as police investigated a shooting on the highway, leaving one victim in critical condition.
Memphis Police have been working closely with Tennessee Highway Patrol and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to crack down on the shootings. They’ve increased their presence on the roads.
It seems their efforts have paid off.
Memphis police said as of May 2nd, there have been 30 highway shooting incidents this year. That’s down from last year’s 40 around this same time.
The main office responsible for traffic safety is the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
Then, there’s the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which has implemented “Operation Guardian Angel” last year, Operation Hands-Free this year, and Slow Down Memphis.
It is a continuous effort and commitment to keep drivers safe.
Although we have seen a decrease in highway shootings in Memphis so far this year, Shelby County leaders still want to see more patrols on the roads to eliminate these incidents completely.