TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – TxDOT and East Texas law enforcement agencies have launched Operation Slow Down, a traffic enforcement initiative running through Labor Day aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes.
The campaign is part of TxDOT’s broader Be Safe Drive Smart effort. Participating agencies include the Nacogdoches Police Department, Tyler Police Department, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Wood County Sheriff’s Office.
TxDOT spokesperson Jeff Williford said the period between the two holidays is a deliberate target because travel volume remains high throughout the summer.
“It’s one of the top factors in fatal crashes throughout the state — and in our district, which is eight counties in East Texas,” Williford said. “It’s an important thing to remember, especially when people are out on the road this summer.”
Williford said unsafe speed was the top contributing factor in fatal crashes in Texas last year. He noted that the World Cup and back-to-school travel are adding to road volume this summer.
Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said officers are already deployed on area roads, including Toll 49, where Smith County officials announced patrols on social media.
Erbaugh said traffic enforcement officers are using data-driven technology to identify high-crash locations, including Broadway and the Loop, Old Jacksonville Highway and Grande Boulevard, and the Loop at Highway 31 East.
“If we can slow those speeders down in the high crash areas, we hope at that time there’s less crashes,” Erbaugh said.
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