As Georgia prepares for its high-impact traffic safety campaign,Operation Southern Slow Down, law enforcement across five states is gearing up for aggressive traffic enforcement. This initiative aims to reduce traffic crashes, promote highway safety, and decrease speeding-related fatality crashes throughout Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.
Backed by agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, and South Carolina Office of Highway Safety, the week-long campaign (July 14–20, 2025) targets major highways, state highways, construction zones, and known speed corridors. This collaboration also includes the Georgia State Patrol, Florida Highway Patrol, and local sheriffs like Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Why Operation Southern Slow Down Matters
Speeding is one of the leading causes of automobile crashes and traffic fatalities across the Southeast. According to crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the rise in speed-related crashes and fatal crashes has become a serious concern. In 2023, Georgia recorded 349 speeding-related crashes, marking a steep increase since 2019.
The campaign’s central message,”Speeding Catches Up With You”,emphasizes the risk of aggressive driving, distracted driving, and ignoring speed limits. Citations and warnings will be issued to speeding drivers, those violating traffic laws, and motorists who neglect seat belts and occupant protection equipment.
Beyond fatalities, speed-related deaths have increased in both urban and rural zones, placing more emphasis on responsive traffic safety laws and safety awareness campaigns. Involving community influencers, public school outreach, and digital media education, Operation Southern Slow Down extends beyond just citations,it’s about shifting a cultural mindset across Georgia highways.
What to Expect on the Roads
Throughout the week, expect saturation patrols by law enforcement officers, including State and local law enforcement and agencies like the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety. These patrols will cover roads like the I-16/I-75 interchange, Interstate 475, Candler Road, Zebulon Road, and South Clayton Park.
Mobile radar systems, license plate recognition tools, and unmanned aerial surveillance will be deployed to monitor traffic pattern changes, enforce speed awareness programs, and respond quickly to traffic stops. Law enforcement will especially monitor areas prone to tractor-trailers crash and pedestrian safety concerns.
The 2024 campaign saw:
- Over 12,500 citations and warnings in Georgia
- 8,900 tickets for speeding
- 1,231 for distracted driving
- 446 DUI enforcement arrests
Across all five states, nearly 62,000 traffic enforcement actions were taken.
Safety Tips for Georgia Drivers
To avoid speeding tickets and stay safe:
- Follow speed limits strictly
- Avoid aggressive driving like tailgating
- Respect traffic pattern changes in construction zones
- Always use seat belts
- Keep distractions minimal,reaction time matters
- Stay aware during the summer travel season
- Drive cautiously near motorcycle safety zones and school areas
- Be mindful of traffic laws enforced near region IV checkpoints
- If pulled over, maintain a calm demeanor and comply during traffic stops
These actions support broader efforts like speed awareness programs, motorcycle safety, and pedestrian safety initiatives.
Who’s Involved
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety leads Georgia’s efforts. Partners include:
- Georgia Department of Public Safety
- Georgia Department of Highway Safety
- South Carolina Highway Patrol
- Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
- Pinellas County, CHATHAM COUNTY, and others in region IV
Community organizations like Hope Atlanta, MARTA HOPE, and schools participating in the Georgia Promise Scholarship program are also helping amplify traffic safety awareness. Federal initiatives from the Federal Trade Commission and support from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation bring national attention to traffic safety laws and occupant protection equipment.
The campaign also aligns with federal efforts like NHTSA’s Speeding Slows You Down, promoting long-term traffic safety laws and speed awareness.
Ted Law Firm Supports Safer Roads
At Ted Law, we believe in proactive legal education and public safety. While our firm represents clients facing charges like DUI, traffic stops, and other traffic safety issues, our mission is rooted in prevention and accountability.
We understand the stress that comes with a traffic citation, especially during large-scale campaigns like Operation Southern Slow Down. Whether it’s navigating speed enforcement, disputing traffic laws, or handling personal injury claims from speeding-related crashes, Ted Law is here.
Our legal team also assists victims of automobile crashes and fatal crashes involving negligent drivers. If you’ve lost a loved one in a speeding-related fatality crash, we’re committed to helping you navigate your rights under Georgia law. We also work with clients on issues related to secure transaction disputes involving traffic incident reports and insurance denials.
About Ted Law Firm
If Operation Southern Slow Down has brought legal trouble your way, let Ted Law help. We offer strategic legal advice rooted in Georgia law and local court processes. From traffic tickets to serious DUI charges, we stand ready to defend your rights. We prioritize personalized service, clear communication, and effective solutions. Schedule your free consultation with Ted Law today and take back control of your legal situation.
Ted Law Firm is a Georgia-based law firm that assists clients in navigating traffic enforcement, DUI enforcement, personal injury, and other road-related legal challenges. With a reputation for trust and legal clarity, Ted Law ensures your rights are protected and your voice is heard.We proudly represent injury victims throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, Columbus, Warner Robins, and Macon From speed awareness programs to complex litigation involving crash data, our experienced attorneys are here for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
