The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol have kicked off “Operation Southern Slow Down,” a week-long speed enforcement campaign.
This operation is a joint effort with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. During the campaign, all five states and their local law enforcement agencies will be out in full force to catch speeders.
The Florida Highway Patrol, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation, will specifically focus on detecting and citing drivers for exceeding the posted speed limits across Florida’s interstate corridors.
“The Florida Highway Patrol will be working with our many dedicated law enforcement partners toward providing highway safety,” stated Colonel Gary L. Howze, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Your FHP Troopers will be on patrol monitoring traffic for hazardous drivers and enforcing traffic laws along Florida’s state highways in support of (the operation).”
According to preliminary data from FLHSMV, over 13,296 crashes that occurred last year in Florida involved speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Speeding contributed to 10.5% of all crash fatalities statewide and resulted in more than 368 fatalities.
FHP troopers recommend that motorists follow these safety tips when traveling on Florida’s roadways this summer:
- Anticipate increased traffic during peak travel periods. Plan ahead and give yourself ample time to drive.
- Buckle up and make sure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts for the entire duration of the trip.
- Slow down when driving in construction zones. Keep in mind that construction increases during the summer season.
- No matter how eager you are to reach your destination, speeding and driving aggressively is dangerous. Stay patient and give other motorists plenty of space.
If you observe aggressive driving, do not engage with the other driver. Instead, dial *FHP (*347) or 911 for local law enforcement.