Drivers are being warned to slow down or face tickets during “Operation Southern Slow Down” from July 14-20 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This is the ninth year of the campaign, which aims to enforce speed limits and raise awareness about the dangers of speeding. The event will begin with news conferences in several cities, where law enforcement will focus on speeding and aggressive driving throughout the week.

Speeding poses serious risks not only to the driver but also to all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. It decreases the driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases the likelihood of crashes. In Georgia, speeding-related fatalities rose by nearly 35% in recent years, from 260 deaths in 2019 to 349 in 2023. Across the five states, 1,604 fatalities connected to speeding occurred in 2023, marking a 13% increase since 2019.

Officials emphasize the importance of obeying speed limits to ensure safety. They assert that speeding equals reckless behavior that can lead to unnecessary deaths. The campaign is not just about issuing tickets but is meant to encourage safer driving choices. Law enforcement in Georgia previously issued thousands of citations during last year’s campaign, and the operation aims to reduce speed-related accidents through cooperation among states.

Drivers are advised to give speeding vehicles space, allow them to pass, avoid the far-left lane unless necessary, and always wear seat belts. The campaign aligns with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s broader educational efforts to promote safe driving.