‘Operation Southern Slowdown’ set to begin July 15

(WJBF) – The eighth annual “Operation Southern Slowdown” campaign consisting of Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee starts July 15-21, 2024.

Starting Monday, highway patrol agencies will begin the week-long campaign to spread educational awareness about speeding and enforce speeding laws.

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the five states will host a series of press conferences to kick off the week.

“Crash data shows speeding is a growing problem in our nation but team efforts like ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’ will help put the brakes on this dangerous behavior that threatens the safety of everyone traveling on our highways and roads,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.  “State troopers and local law enforcement officers enforce speed limits to save lives and drivers can help make sure they and everyone traveling on the road safely reach their destination by slowing down, buckling up and keeping their focus on the road at all times.”

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown that speeding has accounted for thousands of vehicle passenger deaths in recent years.

Here are safety reminders from the NHTSA:

• Faster speeds require longer to stop a vehicle
• The stopping distance quadruples every time a driver doubles their speed.
• Allow more stopping time for bigger vehicles when traveling downhill on wet or uneven pavement
• Check speedometer when approaching a curve. Apply the brakes before the curve.
• Remember, children will usually drive in the manner they see adults. Set a good example by driving at the speed limit.

And for those traveling on roads with speeding drivers:

• Give speeding drivers plenty of space.
• If speeding drivers are following too closely, allow them to pass.
• Stay out of the far-left lane unless it is passing another vehicle.
• Always wear a seat belt.

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