Local law enforcement cracks down on speeding in ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’

COLUMBUS, Ga (WRBL) — From July 15 to July 21, Georgia and Alabama join Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee for the eighth annual “Operation Southern Slow Down”

The campaign aims to change the driving behaviors of residents in the region by prioritizing the safety of all citizens by focusing on drivers who are traveling at excessive speeds.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in one-third of traffic fatalities in the United States in 2022.

At a press conference held Monday morning, Lieutenant Jeter with the Georgia State Patrol says the choice to speed is deadly.

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 11,423 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in speeding- related crashes in the United States in 2022, which is a 25% increase from 2018.

However, Alabama is down 23 car related fatalities compared to last year.

Sergeant Jeremy Burkett with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says it is important to drive the speed limit as speed contributes to the severity of a car crash.

Sergeant Burkett believes this week’s efforts will cause the number of car related fatalities to continue to decrease.

Local law enforcement agencies want to ensure that citizens are prepared to stop, switch lanes, and abide by the hands-free laws set in Georgia and Alabama to prevent motor vehicle fatalities and injuries.

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