The National Chuckwagon Races in Clinton, Arkansas have led to a critical breakdown in cellular service, putting residents’ safety at risk. Multiple serious incidents have been reported, including:
- A woman in labor unable to call 911 for assistance with delivery
- An accident victim left stranded without ability to call for help
- Business owners relying on cellphones cannot communicate with customers, potentially losing sales.
These real emergencies experienced by community members today are overlooked by many. The overwhelmed cellular infrastructure is creating a dangerous situation where basic emergency services are inaccessible to many. Local officials’ lack of action to address this issue is alarming given the clear and present danger to public safety. Urgent measures are needed to either bolster cellular capacity or provide alternative emergency communication methods during large events. Residents are advised to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with medical conditions. Community-organized communication chains may be necessary until a more permanent solution is implemented.
