Starting Monday, law enforcement agencies across Florida—including the Florida Highway Patrol—are ramping up efforts to reduce speeding through a coordinated, week-long campaign called Operation Southern Slow Down.

The crackdown isn’t limited to Florida. The initiative spans multiple southeastern states, including Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Its primary goal is to cut down on speed-related crashes and fatalities on interstates and major roadways.

“Operation Southern Slow Down is a united effort to reduce dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious crashes on our roadways,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. “With enhanced enforcement and proactive education, we’re working across state lines to save lives and move closer to our shared vision of zero traffic deaths.”

In Pinellas County, the sheriff’s office will deploy “saturation patrols” targeting areas with frequent speed-related incidents.

“The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining safe roadways for its residents and visitors through these initiatives that combat high-risk driving behaviors,” the agency stated.

As part of the campaign, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is also reminding drivers to:

• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing substances
• Always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers do the same
• Stay alert and eliminate distractions like cell phones
• Practice patience and maintain a safe following distance
• Plan routes ahead of time using FL511.com
• Slow down in construction zones and on wet roads, especially in larger vehicles
• Report aggressive drivers by calling *FHP (*347) or 911

The campaign underscores a broader push to make Florida’s roads safer for everyone.

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