Saving Lives Through Enforcement and Education: Florida Department of Transportation and Partners Launch 8^th-Annual Operation Southern Slow Down

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proud to announce the launch of Florida’s annual Operation Southern Slow Down campaign, which begins July 14. Through this campaign, FDOT aims to reduce the risk of speed-related crashes by leveraging the use of enhanced enforcement of speed limits and public safety messaging about the dangers of speeding. In partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), FDOT’s Operation Southern Slow Down efforts are part of a broader initiative involving its counterpart transportation and law enforcement organizations in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

“Florida’s transportation system is meticulously engineered to maximize safety – it’s woven into every design plan, every education campaign, and every traffic safety law enforced by our law enforcement partners. Operation Southern Slow Down is a strong example of how each of these facets works together to create safer roadways,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “We encourage communities to join our efforts in creating a safer transportation future by recognizing the risks of unsafe driving behaviors, like speeding.

“Operation Southern Slow Down is a united effort to reduce dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious crashes on our roadways,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. “Through increased enforcement and proactive education, FHP and our partners are working across state lines to save lives and move closer to our shared vision of zero traffic deaths.”

Unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding and aggression, continue to serve as the primary factor in all traffic crashes and their resulting fatalities and serious injuries across Florida. According to FLHSMV data, these behaviors in particular contributed to 437 fatalities (13 percent) of all traffic fatalities in Florida in 2023.

Through campaigns like Operation Southern Slow Down, Florida takes a dual approach of targeting driver behavior through heightened enforcement efforts and public safety messaging. Driven to reach Florida’s goal of reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero, the enforcement and education partnership between FDOT and its law enforcement counterparts plays a critical role in creating lasting changes in driver behavior and will contribute to the vision of a safer, fatality-free future across Florida.

“We all want to arrive at our destinations safely during this busy summer travel season, and this joint effort will serve as a strong reminder to obey traffic safety laws,” said Kenneth Boswell, Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. “We support our law enforcement officers in Alabama and the Southeast as they work hard to prevent injuries and deaths from automobile crashes.”

“Speeding threatens the lives of everyone on the road and that is why Georgia and our neighbors are sending the message that illegal and dangerous driving behaviors will not be tolerated,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.  “The goal of ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’ is to not write tickets but for motorists to choose to put safety first by driving at slower and safer speeds.”

"We look forward to working alongside our law enforcement counterparts across the Southeast to address the unnecessary choice to speed excessively,” said Robert G. Woods IV, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. “This reckless decision behind the wheel is one of the top contributing factors for collisions in South Carolina. It’s unnecessary, dangerous, and not worth the risk. Through a collective, united effort such as this, we are able to focus our resources with a strong goal of driving down the number of speed-related collisions and fatalities.”

“You’re almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious-injury crash when you’re speeding,” said Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety. “Speeding lowers your reaction time, increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, and reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment. Let’s work together to protect our roadways this summer. All we ask is for voluntary compliance.”

To encourage responsible behaviors on Florida’s roadways, here are some safety reminders:

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other impairing substances.
• Buckle up for every trip and ensure all passengers wear safety belts.
• Remain alert and always drive with caution – put away all distractions, like cell phones, every time you get behind the wheel.
• Practice patience and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Plan your route in advance on FL511.com and allow extra time for traffic during peak travel times.
• Allow more stopping time if driving a larger vehicle, especially on wet pavement.
• Remember to reduce speed in construction zones to enhance road safety.
• If you witness aggressive driving, contact local law enforcement by dialing *FHP (*347) or 911.