Florida deputies cracking down on dangerous speeding during 'Operation Southern Slow Down'

ORLANDO, Fla. - Watch your speed! To save lives by preventing reckless driving and speeding, law enforcement agencies in Florida and surrounding states are conducting a week-long speed enforcement awareness campaign called Operation Southern Slow Down.

From Monday, July 17 to Friday, July 21, drivers can expect to see additional state and local agencies on the road cracking down on speeders across the Sunshine State, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. 

The operation is a joint effort between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and local law enforcement agencies. 

According to preliminary data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were nearly 14,000 crashes last year in Florida involving speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Speeding contributed to 10.5% of all crash fatalities statewide, resulting in more than 368 fatalities.

"When motorists make the decision to engage in dangerous speeds on our roadways, they needlessly place themselves and other road users at risk of deadly outcomes," Will N. Watts, Jr., P.E., FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, and the Florida Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety, said in a statement. "FDOT remains committed to achieving its target of zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways, and we are proud to join transportation and law enforcement partners across the state – and our neighboring southern states— in the Operation Southern Slow Down effort. Together, we can help get everyone home safely."