Law enforcement in five states join forces for week-long ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’

Starting on Monday, law enforcement agencies in five states will partner for a major traffic enforcement effort.

From July 15 through July 21, law enforcement agencies in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee will partner for “Operation Southern Slow Down.”

During the week-long effort, police will patrol looking for dangerous driving behaviors like speeding that are likely to contribute to a crash.

While law enforcement will focus on “strict” enforcement of traffic laws, they’ll also spend the week working to educate drivers about the risks associated with speeding and the benefits of adhering to speed limits.

“Operation Southern Slow Down is a focused, collaborative effort to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers on driving behaviors that lead to fatal crashes, striving to one day experience zero fatalities on our roadways,” said Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Colonel Gary Howze II. “FHP is proud to work with our law enforcement and public safety partners across state lines to provide a safer driving environment for everyone.”

“You’re almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious-injury crash when you’re speeding,” said Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety. “Speeding lowers your reaction time, increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, and reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment. Let’s work together to protect our roadways this summer. All we ask is for voluntary compliance.”