State and local law enforcement in five southern states are teaming up next week to crack down on unsafe driving.
The annual initiative, known as Operation Southern Slow Down, will take place from July 14 to July 20, involving coordinated enforcement in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Speeding deaths increased from 2019-2023
Now in its ninth year, the campaign is designed to reduce traffic collisions and fatalities by cracking down on excessive speeding and aggressive driving on major highways. The effort will include increased patrols, roadside checkpoints, and public outreach to raise awareness about safe driving practices.
Officials emphasize that speeding continues to pose a significant risk to public safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 349 speed-related fatalities in Georgia in 2023, rising from 260 in 2019, representing a nearly 35% increase over five years. Across all five states involved in the campaign, 1,604 lives were lost in speed-related crashes last year, marking a 13% jump since 2019.
“Speeding threatens the lives of everyone on the road,” said Allen Poole, director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “The goal of ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’ is to not write tickets but for motorists to put safety first by choosing to drive at slower and safer speeds.”
Expect visible police presence
The initiative begins on Monday, featuring press events in Augusta, Columbus, and Savannah in Georgia, as well as East Ridge, Tennessee, and Jacksonville, Florida. Following the kickoff, enforcement efforts will target busy highways and interstates.
Law enforcement agencies—including the Georgia State Patrol, county sheriffs, and local police departments—will be highly visible throughout the week. During last year’s campaign, Georgia officers issued over 12,500 citations and warnings, with nearly 9,000 related to speeding. Authorities also made 446 DUI arrests and issued 1,231 distracted driving citations.
In 2024, the campaign led to more than 62,000 citations and warnings across the five states, with approximately 50,000 for speeding violations alone.
This regional initiative is part of the NHTSA’s larger “Speeding Slows You Down” program, which will continue throughout July.
Drivers are reminded to prioritize safety by:
- Keeping a safe distance from speeding vehicles
- Allowing tailgaters to pass
- Using the left lane only for passing
- Wearing a seat belt at all times
For additional tips on safe driving and details on enforcement efforts, visit the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website.
