Motorists in the Southeastern United States are being advised to reduce their speed as law enforcement agencies intensify their crackdown on speeding violations. From July 14 to July 20, the initiative known as “Operation Southern Slow Down” will enhance enforcement efforts on interstates and state highways across five states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This annual campaign, which was first introduced in 2017, aims to decrease the number of speed-related accidents and ultimately save lives.
To kick off the 2025 campaign, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) organized press events in several cities, including Franklin, Collierville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Kingsport. During these events, THSO Director Buddy Lewis highlighted the dangers associated with speeding, labeling it a fatal choice. He urged drivers to adhere to speed limits not only for their own safety but also for the well-being of others sharing the road.
This week-long operation aligns with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign, which is set to continue until July 31. Law enforcement personnel in all five participating states will be stepping up patrols and will be issuing citations to those who exceed the posted speed limits. According to data from the NHTSA, there were 11,175 fatalities in speed-related incidents across the United States in 2023, marking a staggering 27% increase compared to 2019. Specifically, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, 1,604 individuals lost their lives in such crashes last year, which represents a 13% rise from 2019 figures. Notably, speeding was a contributing factor in nearly 30% of all fatal accidents nationwide in 2023.
Officials are optimistic that the combination of increased enforcement and heightened public awareness will motivate drivers to make safer decisions while operating their vehicles.