For the 9th year in a row the speed enforcement campaign called ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’ is on, aimed at targeting speeding across the south.
Announced today by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), the initiative is a multi-state enforcement mobilization cracking down on speeding from July 14–20.
During this time, law enforcement agencies will increase speed enforcement on major highways and high-risk locations during a travel period when the rate of fatal crashes is highest across the Southeast.
States participating in the annual enforcement include Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina; including state patrol, county, and local law enforcement agencies.
Officials say its a collaborative effort involving law enforcement from across the participating states and agencies to reduce speeding and bring awareness the dangers of speeding from crash data that indicates higher speeds lead to more accidents and fatalities.
During last year’s campaign, more than 49,000 citations and warnings were issued across the five states.
NHTSA and Region IV states offer the following tips for those traveling on the same road with speeding drivers:
• Give speeding drivers plenty of space
• If speeding drivers are following too closely, allow them to pass
• Stay out of the far-left lane unless it is passing another vehicle
• Always wear a seat belt
