TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is trying to put the brakes on unsafe driving.

FDOT in partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is conducting Operation Southern Slow Down 2024. The week-long speed enforcement and education campaign kicked off on Monday.

The crackdown involves multiple states in the Southeast—Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Collectively, the initiative aims to decrease the number of speed-related crashes and reduce the number of traffic deaths to zero.

Speeding is major factor in traffic deaths
“Crash data shows speeding is a growing problem in our nation but team efforts like Operation Southern Slow Down will help put the brakes on this dangerous behavior that threatens the safety of everyone traveling on our highways and roads,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

In Florida, between 2019 and 2023, officials say speeding was responsible for nearly 10% of the fatalities statewide.

Image shows a car speeding down a rural road.
By informing the public about the risks associated with speeding and the benefits of adhering to speed limits, FDOT aims to foster a culture of safety on Florida’s roads. Courtesy: Canva Pro

“Operation Southern Slow Down represents our collective vision towards creating a safer, fatality-free future on our roadways – one that goes beyond our engineering countermeasures and addresses the driver behaviors, like speeding, that place all road users at risk,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue.

Demographic data reveals that young male drivers are particularly at risk, with 84% of speeding-related fatalities involving male drivers, primarily those aged 16-25.

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Besides strict enforcement, Operation Southern Slow Down emphasizes the crucial role of public education in altering driver behavior.

They say educational campaigns are necessary for raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and promoting safer driving practices.

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

Six tips for safer driving:

  • Buckle up for every trip and ensure all passengers wear safety belts.
  • Plan your route in advance on FL511.com – allow extra time for traffic during peak travel times.
  • Remain alert and always drive with caution – eliminate distractions, like cell phones, every time you get behind the wheel.
  • Remember to reduce speed in construction and school zones to enhance road safety.
  • Practice patience and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • If you witness aggressive driving, contact local law enforcement by dialing *FHP (*347) or 911.