Florida Highway Patrol kicks off ‘Southern Slow Down’ initiative

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Florida Highway Patrol officials kicked off their ‘Southern Slow Down’ initiative Monday.

“There were more than 13,300 crashes in the prior year in florida involving speeding and driving too fast for conditions. Speeding also contributed to 10.5% of all crash fatalities statewide, resulting in 368 fatalities,” Florida Highway Patrol Major Troop Commander Warren Fast said.

Law enforcement officers across the panhandle are using the initiative to decrease motorists’ speed and increase awareness about the importance of following the speed limit.

“This is an initiative to remind people now as we get closer to the holidays, as we come out of the summer, actually in the summer, to slow down and drive safely,” Fast said.

Officials are spreading the word through social media to remind the public of the dangers of speeding and other risky behaviors.

“If you’re drinking, drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. Do not be on your phone while you’re driving. Wear your seat because seat belts are there to save lives, adhere to speed limits and you’ll be safer, a lot safer,” Fast said.

“Over the last five years, we’ve averaged 17 traffic fatalities within our county annually. That’s way too many. One is too many. Our goal is to slow people down and educate drivers,” Jackson County Sheriff Donnie Edenfield said.

They also have help from the Florida Department of Transportation to keep motorists at a safe speed.

“Studies are done. We look at a lot of things such as traffic counts, and pedestrian safety. Some of the measures that we can put into place are things like roundabouts, extra signage, speed bumps, things like that are always going to slow down drivers,” Florida Department of Transportation PIO Lindsey Harrell said.

The Southern Slow-Down Initiative begins Monday and will go through July 26th.

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