FLORIDA — The Florida Highway Patrol, along with the Florida Department of Transportation, is kicking off its “Operation Southern Slow Down” campaign this week.

In a joint effort with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, local law enforcement agencies will conduct a weeklong speed enforcement campaign.

What You Need To Know

  • "Operation Southern Slow Down" kicks off this week

  • The 5-state campaign that aims to crack down on speeding runs through July 22

  • FHP will focus on detecting and citing drivers for speeding across Florida's interstate corridors

  • Tips on safe driving below

According to FHP, state troopers will focus on detecting and citing drivers for exceeding the posted speed limits across Florida’s interstate corridors.

“The Florida Highway Patrol will be working with our many dedicated law enforcement partners toward providing highway safety,” said Colonel Gary L. Howze, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Your FHP troopers will be on patrol monitoring traffic for hazardous drivers and enforcing traffic laws along Florida’s state highways in support of Operations Southern Slowdown.”

Preliminary data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows there were over 13,296 crashes in Florida in 2022 that involved speeding. Speeding contributed to 10.5% of all deadly crashes statewide, resulting in more than 368 fatalities, according to the agency.

“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,” said Will N. Watts, Jr., P.E., FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations.

Here are some tips from FHP to stay safe while driving on Florida’s roadways:

  • Anticipate increased traffic during peak travel periods. Plan ahead and give yourself ample drive time.
  • Buckle up and make sure all passengers are buckled up the entire trip.
  • Slow down in construction zones. Keep in mind that construction increases during the summer.
  • No matter how eager you are to reach your destination, speeding and driving aggressively is dangerous. Stay patient and give other road users plenty of space.
  • If you observe aggressive driving, do not engage with the other driver. Dial *FHP (*347) or 911 for local law enforcement.