AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- Starting Monday, the 9th annual “Operation Southern Slow Down” campaign begins in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.
Law enforcement agencies at the local and state levels came together for a news conference to remind the public about staying safe on the roads.
Phil Riley, Director of South Carolina Highway Safety, gave a stark reminder of the consequences.
“In South Carolina alone, speeding results in the deaths of over 400 people each year,” noted Riley. “Both Georgia and South Carolina have cemeteries filled with individuals who underestimated the consequences of speeding, only to face them tragically.”
South Carolina Highway Patrol says more than 1,000 people were killed on roadways across the Palmetto state in 2024.
More than 100 South Carolinians died during the 100 deadliest days of summer because of speeding.
Captain Joseph Elliott stated, “During that time frame, 109 individuals lost their lives and an additional 249 sustained serious injuries due to speed-related accidents. Although the number of fatalities related to speeding has decreased compared to previous years, it still represents 109 families forever changed because of a decision to speed.”
Elliott adds out of the 1,000 killed on South Carolina roadways in 2024, 4 out of 10 deaths involved speeding.
As for the Peach State, Georgia Highway Safety says another 1,000 people were either killed or seriously injured last year in crashes caused by speeding.
Lieutenant John Cronin with Georgia State Patrol explains the tragic effects behind car crashes involving speed.
“The increased velocity and the force of impact works against the safety equipment in our vehicles—such as seatbelts and airbags,” Cronin said. “Speeding and driving aggressively translates into less vehicle control, increased stopping distances, and greater risk to others on the roadway.”
Here at home, Sheriff Eugene Brantley says traffic fatalities have decreased by 30 percent in Richmond County since last year.
“That is not just a statistic—it represents lives saved,” Brantley said. “This improvement can be attributed to the increased enforcement and growing compliance from our community.”
Many families are on the roads this time of year for vacation, just before kids go back to school.
That’s why law enforcement is urging you to keep some important things in mind.
“Anticipate increased traffic during travel periods. Plan, and give yourself enough time. Buckle up, and make sure all passengers are buckled up for the entire trip. Slow down in construction zones, and keep in mind that construction increases during the summer season,” Cronin said.
Along with these tips, they warn you to obey the speed limit before it’s too late.
“We aren’t issuing any warnings this week, because you’re receiving your warning today. Operation Southern Slow Down is here, so let’s drive like lives depend on it—because they do,” said Cronin.
You can expect an increase in law enforcement on the roads this week, as Operation Southern Slow Down runs through this Saturday, July 19th.
