July 14, 2026, 2:09 p.m. ET
Law enforcement agencies in five Southeastern states are increasing patrols for the “Operation Southern Slow Down” campaign.The annual initiative aims to reduce speeding-related crashes and fatalities through enforcement and public education.So far this year, Florida has seen over 1,150 traffic fatalities and nearly 105,000 injuries.
The grim statistics speak volumes.
Law enforcement agencies across Florida and four other Southeastern states gathered Monday to promote increased patrols this week as part of Operation Southern Slow Down, an annual campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes and fatalities.
According to the state’s Crash Dashboard online, there have been more than 162,000 traffic wrecks this year.
More than 1,150 people have been killed on Florida roads and almost 105,000 have been injured. There have also been almost 70 fatal crashes involving bicycles and 212 motorcycle fatalities. There have also been almost 6,100 accidents in which pedestrians were struck by vehicles, ending the lives of 245 pedestrians this year.
There have been more than 2,550 crashes in Leon County in the first half of 2026, and 788 of those have been hit-and-runs, according the the dashboard. There have been more than 1,600 injuries from Leon County collisions and at least seven deaths on area roadways. Pedestrians have been struck by vehicles 126 times, and three of those were fatal, including one from a hit-and-run. A motorcyclist was also killed in one of 37 area wrecks.
The initiative, now in its ninth year, runs through July 18 and brings together transportation and public safety agencies in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The campaign combines increased traffic enforcement with public education efforts designed to encourage motorists to obey speed limits and make safer driving decisions.
The Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office are participating in the effort.
State transportation officials say speeding remains a significant factor in fatal crashes statewide. According to the 2024 Florida Traffic Crash Facts report, speeding contributed to about 6% of all traffic deaths in Florida.
“Remember that your actions behind the wheel can have life-altering impacts: slow down and drive responsibly to help get everyone to their destinations safely,” FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said in a statement.
Florida Highway Patrol Col. Gary Howze said “reckless driving will not be tolerated,” and speeding is a deliberate choice that can have deadly consequences.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office echoed that on Facebook.
“Slow down. Arrive alive. Getting there a few minutes faster is not worth risking your life or someone else’s,” the agency wrote.
The Southern Slow Down campaign supports Florida’s broader Target Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on the state’s transportation system.
Transportation and safety leaders from neighboring states echoed Florida’s message, noting that summer travel typically brings more vehicles onto highways and increases the need for safe driving practices.
Officials say the goal is not only to issue citations but also to encourage drivers to slow down, reduce risky behavior and help prevent crashes before they happen.
Safety tips for drivers
Officials participating in Operation Southern Slow Down offered the following reminders:
Faster speeds require longer stopping distances.Stay out of the far-left lane except when passing.Stopping distance quadruples when you double your speed.Drivers of larger vehicles need more time and distance to stop, especially on wet or uneven pavement.Slow down before approaching curves and brake before entering them.Set a good example for young drivers by following speed limits.Always wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up.Use extra caution in construction zones and school zones.Plan ahead and allow extra travel time to avoid the temptation to speed.