GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Law enforcement agencies across North Central Florida began increased patrols Monday on interstates and state highways as part of Operation Southern Slow Down, an annual week-long campaign running through July 18.<\/p>\n
The campaign is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Highway Safety, the Florida Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies across the Southeast.<\/p>\n
Deputies, troopers, and officers will be patrolling interstates and state roads with a focus on speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors. Deputies said education is the priority, but drivers who break the law could still receive a citation.<\/p>\n
Sgt. Chris Hunt of the Alachua County Sheriff\u2019s Office said the campaign targets the summer travel season.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetween Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest months of the year because there are a lot of people traveling,\u201d Hunt said. \u201cWe\u2019re trying to get people to pay attention to the road, slow down, stop aggressive driving, and reduce speed-related injuries and deaths.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gainesville resident Bary Hutchinson said visible law enforcement makes an impact on driver behavior.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think them being visible and people are seeing them as we drop it up and down the road,\u201d Hutchinson said. \u201cI think that makes a difference when you can actually see the law enforcement on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Law enforcement is reminding drivers to obey posted speed limits, avoid aggressive driving, and move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside.<\/p>\n
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