Law enforcement agencies across Georgia will participate in a coordinated speed enforcement effort from July 13 through July 19 aimed at reducing crashes and saving lives, officials said Friday. The statewide action is part of the ninth annual Operation Southern Slow Down, which also includes Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee.
What drivers can expect
Motorists traveling Georgia roads next week should anticipate increased patrols and more traffic stops focused on unsafe driving behaviors, authorities said. The operation pairs enforcement with public education to remind drivers about the risks of speeding, reckless driving and distracted behavior behind the wheel.
- Dates: July 13–19
- Where: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee
- Focus: speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving and impaired driving
Why the campaign matters locally
Federal crash statistics show speed was a contributing factor in about one in five fatal traffic crashes in Georgia between 2020 and 2024. A 2023 report from the Governors Office of Highway Safety found that in multi-vehicle crashes where speed played a role, more than half of those killed or seriously injured were not the speeding driver.
Last years operation produced substantial enforcement results across the participating states: nearly 53,000 citations and warnings for speeding, about 2,230 for reckless driving, over 3,000 for distracted driving violations and more than 1,400 DUI arrests — including 501 in Georgia.
| Category | 2025 Totals (regional) |
|---|---|
| Speeding citations/warnings | ~53,000 |
| Reckless driving | ~2,230 |
| Distracted driving | >3,000 |
| DUI arrests | >1,400 |
"Unsafe driver behaviors like speeding are a major contributor to fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
Officials urge drivers to wear seat belts, avoid distractions and allow extra space around vehicles that are traveling at high speeds. The emphasis comes as many Georgians plan summer trips and expect higher traffic volumes on interstates and state routes.
Local law enforcement agencies in Georgia will determine enforcement locations and tactics. Drivers with questions about patrol activity in their area should contact county or city police departments for details. Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving is encouraged to report it through local nonemergency numbers unless the situation requires immediate emergency assistance.
As agencies prepare for the weeklong operation, the message is straightforward: slow down and drive responsibly to reduce the chance of a crash affecting you or someone else on Georgia roads.
