Law enforcement in five southeastern states will spend the next week cracking down on roadway violations as part of "Operation Southern Slowdown."
Previously known as 'Operation Southern Shield, ' officers in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee will coordinate their efforts from July 18-24.
"The majority of people driving in a safe and legal manner should not have to worry about their safety from selfish drivers who show no regard for their safety and the safety of others with their disregard for speed limits and other highway safety laws," Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety said in a press release. "Georgia is once again ready to work with our friends in our neighboring states to protect all road users by putting these dangerous drivers on the shoulder of the road and issuing them a ticket."
Federal data shows a 2% decrease in traffic deaths in the five states during the campaign compared to the week prior. There was also a 14% reduction in speed-related crash fatalities.
Over the past five years, officers issued more than 55,000 speeding tickets, 9,900 seat belt citations and 2,100 child safety seat violations. Officers arrested more than 3,200 people for DUI and another 3,488 for driving without a valid license during the same period.
NHTSA offers the following safety reminders:
• Faster speeds require longer to stop a vehicle
• The stopping distance quadruples every time a driver doubles their speed.
• Allow more stopping time for bigger vehicles when traveling downhill on wet or uneven pavement
• Check the speedometer when approaching a curve. Apply the brakes before the curve.
• Remember, children will usually drive in the manner they see adults. Set a good example by driving at the speed limit. Traveling on the same road with speeding drivers
• Give speeding drivers plenty of space
• If speeding drivers are following too closely, allow them to pass
• Stay out of the far left lane unless passing another vehicle
• Always wear a seat belt
