Florida speeders beware: Police cracking down for 'Operation Southern Slow Down'

Florida speeders beware.

The Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have joined forces for the annual “Operation Southern Slow Down,” a joint effort with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The operation started Monday.

The agencies, including the Lakeland Police Department, will be "increasing their presence" to crack down on speeding and aggressive driving.

“The Florida Highway Patrol will be working with our many dedicated law enforcement partners toward providing highway safety,” said Col. Gary L. Howze, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, in a blog post on the FHP's website. “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.”

Preliminary data from the FLHSMV shows more than 13,296 crashes in 2022 in Florida involving speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Speeding contributed to 10.5%, resulting in more than 368 fatalities.

"Along with the efforts of our officers to deter speeding, we are asking for the public's help to make our roadways safer for our loved ones," LPD said in a news release Monday. "We encourage everyone to be responsible drivers; obey traffic laws and limit distractions."

When will 'Operation Southern Slowdown' be in force?

State and local law enforcement agencies in all five states will be conducting a week-long speed enforcement awareness campaign from July 15-20 aimed at saving lives and preventing reckless driving and speeding.

Tips provided by the Florida Highway Patrol

As you travel, here are some tips to stay safe on Florida’s roadways this summer:

• Anticipate increased traffic during peak travel periods. Plan ahead and give yourself ample drive time.
• Buckle up and make sure all passengers are buckled up the entire trip.
• Slow down 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 road users plenty of space.
• Slow down at twilight hours and at night for wildlife crossing the roads.