Southern Law Enforcement Launches Operation Southern Slowdown July 14-20

The 9th Annual Operation Southern Slow Down, a week-long joint speed enforcement and safety awareness campaign, commenced on July 14, 2025, involving law enforcement agencies from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama. The campaign aims to reduce speeding-related crashes and fatalities by increasing enforcement and promoting public education on the dangers of speeding, with officials urging drivers to slow down and drive responsibly. Sheriff Austin Garrett of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office emphasized the dual approach of education and enforcement, warning that those not reached through education will face enforcement actions. In Tennessee, the operation is especially significant during a high travel period, with Shelby County officials noting that speeding and related fatal crashes remain a critical issue despite a recent decline in fatalities. Law enforcement in Shelby County plans to use the campaign not only to address speeding but also to target illegal firearms, dangerous drugs, and individuals with outstanding warrants. Overall, the operation highlights a regional collaborative effort to improve road safety and reduce preventable traffic deaths across the southern United States.