Let off the gas! 'Operation Southern Slow Down' in effect now through July 21 in Georgia

Are you one to speed when you think no one will catch you? Fair warning: This week is Operation Southern Slow Down.

This is a multi-state initiative with law enforcement agencies from Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to Georgia State Patrol Capt. Michael Burns via email. The participating agencies will be increasing their presence for cracking down on speeding and aggressive driving.

"Speed limits are not recommendations, they are the law, and Troopers will be out conducting high visibility patrols enforcing the speed limits on the roadways in Georgia," Burns said.

According to Georgia GOHS , since 2013, the number of speed-related fatalities have increased almost every year. By last year, it had more than doubled.

Burns went on to say the GSP is also reminding travelers to plan ahead as the traffic volume rises for the summer. Make sure everyone in a vehicle has their seat belts buckled, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service or cab, make sure any kids are in approved child safety seats, and don't drive distracted.

Stranger things in Georgia: Echo Square is an auditory oddity near Savannah's River Street

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Let off the gas! 'Operation Southern Slow Down' in effect now through July 21 in Georgia