FHP breaks down Operation Southern Slow Down

The Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Transportation held a news conference discussing a week-long speed enforcement and education campaign.

“Operation Southern Slow Down” is a week-long joint speed enforcement awareness campaign between FDOT and southeastern law enforcement agencies.

The goal is to reduce speed-related crashes and fatalities on interstate highways.

“This is important to us because we go to these tragedies each and every day. We’re knocking on these doors,” said FHP Lt. Greg Bueno. “And we’re having to tell these families that someone that they love dearly isn’t coming home, and we can’t replace that. We can’t fix that after.”

According to the FDOT, the week-long campaign starting on Monday is part of a broader effort involving multiple states in the Southeast—Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, with a collective aim to reduce the number of speed-related crashes and, ultimately, bring the number of traffic fatalities down to zero.

From 2019 to 2023, speeding contributed to nearly 10% of traffic fatalities in Florida, with the data skewing toward young male drivers (ages 16-25) at higher risk, with 84% of speeding-involved fatalities involving male drivers.

“Operation Southern Slowdown is a focused, collaborative effort to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers on driving behaviors that lead to fatal crashes, striving to one day experience zero fatalities on our roadways,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “FHP is proud to work with our law enforcement and public safety partners across state lines to provide a safer driving environment for everyone.”

FDOT has provided a list of tips to encourage safer driving below:

• Buckle up for every trip and ensure all passengers wear safety belts.
• Plan your route in advance on FL511.com and allow extra time for heightened traffic during peak travel times.
• Remain alert and always drive with caution – put away all distractions, like cell phones, every time you get behind the wheel.
• Remember to reduce speed in construction and school zones to enhance road safety.
• Practice patience and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• If you witness aggressive driving, contact local law enforcement by dialing *FHP (*347) or 911.

Lt. Greg Bueno says moving forward this week: Slow down, and this shouldn’t be anything new for drivers.

Safe driving should be practiced every day of the year to prevent hundreds of people from dying on our roads each year.