Operation Southern Slow Down is back as law enforcement agencies across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee partner to crack down on speeding and aggressive driving.
The annual traffic safety campaign runs through July 18, with troopers, deputies and police officers increasing enforcement on local roads and interstate highways.
"Troopers, deputies and officers across all five states will be out focusing on traffic enforcement on both local roadways and interstate highways. This isn't about writing tickets. It's about saving lives," said Major Rick Benton of the Florida Highway Patrol during a press conference.
Officials said speeding endangers both drivers and others on the road and are urging motorists to slow down, be patient and leave plenty of space between vehicles.
"Operation Southern Slow Down is this week, but the Florida Highway Patrol's commitment is year-round," Benton said.
Participating agencies are encouraged to increase enforcement efforts through July 18 and submit campaign activity reports by Aug. 14.
According to the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison, participating agencies will report the number of hours dedicated to speed enforcement, speeding citations and warnings, aggressive driving-related citations and warnings, seat belt citations and warnings, DUI arrests, total traffic citations, press conferences, media coverage, and social media posts and interactions generated during the campaign.
Operation Southern Slow Down first launched in 2017 and has returned each July to educate drivers and reduce dangerous driving behaviors.
"Unsafe driver behaviors like speeding are a major contributor to fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways," Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue said in a press release. "Remember that your actions behind the wheel can have life-altering impacts. Slow down and drive responsibly to help get everyone to their destinations safely."
Speeding was a contributing factor in 6% of all traffic fatalities in Florida in 2024, according to the 2024 Florida Traffic Crash Facts report.
FDOT encourages drivers to obey posted speed limits, allow for longer stopping distances, stay out of the far-left lane except when passing, slow down when approaching curves, wear a seat belt, use extra caution in construction and school zones, and plan ahead by allowing extra travel time to avoid the temptation to speed.