[ July 09, 2025 ] Starting Monday, July 14th, drivers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee will see increased law enforcement presence as part of "Operation Southern Slow Down."

This annual week-long campaign, running until July 20th, aims to curb excessive speeding and aggressive driving on interstates and major highways. Now in its ninth year, the initiative emphasizes that safety on our roads is a shared responsibility.

Speeding is a dangerous and often deadly behavior, significantly increasing the risk of crashes. Faster speeds reduce a driver's ability to react safely to road hazards and increase stopping distances. Over the past five years, speeding-related fatalities have risen sharply in the Southeast, with 1,604 people killed in crashes involving speeding in the five participating states in 2023 alone. This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for drivers to adhere to speed limits.

Highway safety leaders across the region are united in their message: illegal and dangerous driving will not be tolerated. The goal of "Operation Southern Slow Down" isn't just to issue tickets, but to encourage motorists to prioritize safety by driving at slower, safer speeds. Law enforcement officers will be on high alert, and those caught speeding should expect to receive a citation.

During the 2024 "Operation Southern Slow Down," Georgia's state troopers, sheriff's deputies, and police officers issued a total of 12,544 citations and warnings, with 8,900 specifically for speeding. The week-long initiative also led to 446 DUI arrests and 1,231 citations and warnings for distracted driving.

This year, the campaign coincides with NHTSA's "Speeding Slows You Down" initiative (July 7-31), meaning even more enforcement will be present.

Remember to give speeding drivers ample space, allow them to pass if they are following too closely, and always wear your seat belt. Let's work together to make our roads safer this summer.