Florida Highway Patrol initiates Operation Southern Slow Down.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a joint effort aimed at enhancing highway safety, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), along with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) division and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), has announced the commencement of "Operation Southern Slow Down” beginning today, Monday, July 17, 2023. This campaign, conducted in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and neighboring southeastern states, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, will focus on speed enforcement and traffic law compliance across all five states.

The week-long speed enforcement campaign will primarily focus on detecting and citing drivers who exceed 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,” said 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 Operations Southern Slowdown.”

According to preliminary data released by the FLHSMV, there were over 13,296 crashes in Florida in 2022 involving speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Shockingly, speeding contributed to 10.5% of all crash fatalities statewide, resulting in more than 368 deaths.

"When motorists decide to engage in dangerous speeds on our roadways, they needlessly place themselves and other road users at risk of deadly outcomes,” said Will N. Watts, Jr., P.E., FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, and Governor DeSantis' Representative for Highway Safety. “FDOT remains committed to achieving its target of zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways, and we are proud to join transportation and law enforcement partners across the state – and our neighboring southern states— in the Operation Southern Slow Down effort. Together, we can help get everyone home safely.” 

As individuals travel throughout Florida this summer, it is essential to keep these safety tips in mind:

• Anticipate increased traffic during peak travel, and plan ahead by allowing ample drive time.
• Ensure that all passengers wear seat belts throughout the entire journey.
• Reduce speed in construction zones, as construction activity typically intensifies during summer.
• Avoid speeding and aggressive driving, even if eager to reach the destination quickly. Patience and giving other road users sufficient space are crucial.

If you witness aggressive driving, refrain from engaging with the other driver. Instead, promptly dial *FHP (*347) or 911, and report the incident to local law enforcement.