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According to the Georgia Office of Highway Safety from July 14^th through July 20^th, southern states Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee are teaming up for “Operation Southern Slow Down”.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the number of passenger vehicle occupants killed in speed-related crashes in Georgia increased by 56 percent over a five-year period from 262 in 2018 to 409 in 2022.  Speed was a factor in almost 30 percent of the crashes that killed passenger vehicle occupants in Georgia in 2022 compared to 20 percent of the crashes that killed passenger vehicle occupants in the state in 2018.  

Plan to see extra patrols, checkpoints and public safety campaigns as they encourage drivers to drive the posted speed limit and follow the other rules of the road. “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.  State troopers and local law enforcement officers enforce speed limits to save lives and drivers can help make sure they and everyone traveling on the road safely reach their destination by slowing down, buckling up and keeping their focus on the road at all times.”

“As more motorists travel during the summer, this joint effort with our partners in the Southeast will serve as a strong reminder to obey the speed limit and other traffic safety laws,” said Kenneth Boswell, Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

 “Our aim is to educate the public on the dangers of speeding and correct reckless behavior before it leads to disaster.  Through a collective, united effort such as this, we are able to focus our resources and drive down the number of speed-related collisions.” said Robert G. Woods, IV, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public 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.” said Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety.

Please follow these safe driving tips from NHTSA.

• The necessary stopping distance quadruples every time a drive doubles their speed. 
• Allow more stopping time for bigger vehicles, or when traveling downhill on wet or uneven pavement. 
• Apply the brakes before entering a curve. 
• Set a good example for young drivers by driving at the speed limit. 
• If speeding drivers are following too closely, allow them to pass. 
• Always wear a seat belt. 

Content provided by Georgia Office of Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.