The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has launched Operation Fast and Furious, a citywide traffic safety initiative aimed at cracking down on aggressive driving and reducing serious crashes on local roads.
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The program got the green light on Tuesday after the City Commission approved $51,000 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to support stepped-up enforcement and public education efforts.
Police say aggressive driving — including speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, tailgating and ignoring railroad crossings — remains one of the leading causes of severe crashes and traffic fatalities.
“Operation Fast and Furious is about saving lives,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said. “By increasing enforcement in high-risk areas, we are sending a clear message that aggressive driving will not be tolerated on our roads.”
As part of the initiative, officers will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement in identified hot spots across the city, operating during both daytime and nighttime hours. Night enforcement will be a major focus, as data shows speeding violations tend to increase after dark.
Grant funds will be used to purchase handheld speed radar devices, improving officers’ ability to detect and document speeding violations. FLPD will also deploy a mobile speed radar trailer in areas with persistent speeding and aggressive driving complaints.
Beyond enforcement, the initiative includes a strong public education component. Traffic safety materials will be distributed in English, Spanish and Creole at community events, and safety messages will be shared through city and police social media platforms.
“This program strengthens enforcement while also educating the public, helping protect residents, visitors and everyone who uses our roadways,” City Manager Rickelle Williams said.
Police Chief William Schultz added that the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to accountability on the roads. “Slowing drivers down and changing behavior makes our streets safer for everyone,” he said.
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FLPD says Operation Fast and Furious will continue in the coming months as part of a broader push to improve roadway safety citywide.