Operation Southern Slow Down promotes driver safety

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany Police Department (APD) implements a new initiative aimed at making our roads safer.

As summer activities increase, many are eager to get on the move. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2023, resulting in an average of 33 deaths per day. This percentage is consistent with the previous year, 2022.

The primary objective of Operation Southern Slow Down is to prevent excessive speeding, reduce accidents, and encourage drivers to slow down.

The Albany Police Department (APD), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), along with law enforcement agencies across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, will participate in a week-long speed enforcement campaign from July 15th to the 20th. During this period, officers will focus on detecting and citing drivers who exceed posted speed limits.

To ensure a safe trip, the campaign advises the following tips. Always buckle up and ensure all passengers wear safety belts, remain alert and avoid distractions, reduce speed in construction and school zones. Plan routes in advance and allow extra time for peak travel periods, practice patience, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

If you witness aggressive driving, contact your local agency by dialing 911.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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