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‘Operation Southern Slow Down; Targets Speeding In Five States
July 17, 2024
Law enforcement agencies in Florida and four other states have teamed up for Operation Southern Slow Down 2024, a week-long speed enforcement and education campaign that began Monday.
The broad effort involving multiple states in the Southeast—Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee—has a collective goal to reduce the number of speed-related crashes and, ultimately, bring the number of traffic fatalities down to zero.
The Florida Highway Patrol said speeding is a significant factor in traffic fatalities across Florida, contributing to nearly 10% of these fatalities statewide between 2019 and 2023. Demographic data reveals that young male drivers are particularly at risk, with 84% of speeding-involved fatalities involving male drivers, predominantly those aged 16-25. FHP said the statistics underscore the critical need for targeted enforcement and education campaigns like Operation Southern Slow Down to address dangerous driver behaviors like speeding and the tragic consequences they have on roadways.
“Operation Southern Slowdown is a focused, collaborative effort to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers on driving behaviors that lead to fatal crashes, striving to one day experience zero fatalities on our roadways,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “FHP is proud to work with our law enforcement and public safety partners across state lines to provide a safer driving environment for everyone.”
Pictured: A Florida Highway Patrol trooper stops a motorist on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
5 Responses to “‘Operation Southern Slow Down; Targets Speeding In Five States”
This has not slowed me down previously, nor will it now.
This is a shakedown for revenue.
Traffic enforcement is a joke in Escambia county, and thats why we have so much fun.
-Catch me if you can
A few years ago, I suggested putting cameras at ALL major intersections in order to catch those running red lights causing serious accidents. When you run a red light, the camera takes a photo of the car and tag number. The photos are looked at and a ticket is sent through the mail for running a red light. The cameras would be paid for in a short amount of time. I see numerous people running red lights “every day.” The cameras in Gulf Breeze are prime examples of how good they work.
They could start by ticketing vehicles going over the bridge into Gulf Breeze at a high rate of speed. But that might affect the tourism dollar coming into Escambia County
So does this mean highway 97 will be patrolled this week?
People aren’t going to slow down. And zero traffic fatalities???? Not on this planet. What would be nice if the state would hire an officer, driving a vehicle, like a Kia soul, or a VW bug, or something that doesn’t shout, “COP” and let them give out “STUPID” tickets. No court date. You pay the fine, and it would be up to the deputy how much, and you pay right then and there with a check card, credit card, or cash. As long as there is earth, wind and fire, there are going to be speeders and traffic fatalities. You simply can’t fix stupid, but you can hit them in the pocket book, so to speak.