The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee work together every year on “Operation Southern Slow Down.” The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Highway Patrol, and local police departments all take part.
The police, including the Tallahassee Police Department, will be “increasing their presence” to stop people from going too fast and being rude.
“Our many dedicated law enforcement partners and the Florida Highway Patrol will work together to make the roads safer,” said Col. Gary L. Howze, head of the Florida Highway Patrol, in a blog post on the FHP website. “In support of Operations Southern Slowdown, your FHP troopers will be on patrol along Florida’s state highways, looking for dangerous drivers and making sure people follow the rules of the road.”
Based on early data from the FLHSMV, more than 13,296 accidents in Florida in 2022 were caused by drivers who were speeding or going too fast for the circumstances. More than 368 people died in crashes statewide because they were going too fast. This is 10.5% of all crash deaths.
“Remember to be patient behind the wheel and follow the speed limit,” the TPD said in a social media post.
‘Operation Southern Slowdown’ will start when?
From July 15–20, state and local police in all five states will run a week-long speed enforcement awareness program. The goal is to save lives and stop people from speeding and driving recklessly.
