Southern Slow Down Begins Monday

Image source: Poster of the Operation Southern Slow Down

Drivers planning to hit the road in the coming days should be prepared: a multi‑state traffic enforcement operation is about to begin, and officials say the fines will be steep.

The Southern Slow Down returns on July 13, bringing coordinated enforcement across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Now in its ninth year, the operation targets major interstate corridors that run through cities like Augusta, Columbus, Ringgold, Savannah, and several regions of Florida.

Police agencies will be watching for behaviors that put lives at risk — including speeding, aggressive or reckless driving, driving under the influence, texting behind the wheel, not wearing seat belts, and drivers operating vehicles without a valid license.

Last year’s operation resulted in nearly 53,000 speeding citations and warnings across the five states, with about 13,000 issued in Georgia alone.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in 30% of all traffic deaths in the United States in 2024. The operation takes place during what officials call the “100 Deadliest Days” — the summer period when young drivers are on the road more frequently and crash rates rise.

The goal, authorities say, is simple: reduce accidents, save lives, and remind drivers that safety must come before speed.