Quincy, FL – July 15, 2024 – The Quincy Police Department is proud to announce its participation in the 2024 Operation Southern Slow Down, a week-long speed enforcement and education campaign aimed at reducing speeding and improving road safety across the Southeast. This initiative, conducted from July 15–20, involves coordinated efforts by state troopers and local law enforcement officers to enforce speed limits on interstates and state highways in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Since its inception in 2017, Operation Southern Slow Down has been a collaborative effort between these five states, facilitated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 4. The campaign’s primary goal is to decrease crashes and save lives by targeting drivers who exceed the speed limit.
Safety is Our Top Priority
At the Quincy Police Department, safety remains our top priority. We are committed to improving the well-being of all transportation users with a target of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Our participation in Operation Southern Slow Down underscores this commitment as we join forces with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), and other state and federal partners.
Why Speed Matters
Speeding significantly increases the risk of crashes and reduces the effectiveness of safety equipment such as seat belts and airbags. According to federal highway safety data, speeding was a contributing factor in nearly one-third (29%) of all traffic fatalities in 2021. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have noted a substantial rise in vehicles traveling over 100 miles per hour in recent years, with younger drivers under 25 being more frequently involved in speed-related fatal crashes.
Important Safety Tips for Drivers
To ensure the safety of all road users, we urge everyone to adhere to the following safety tips:
- Always obey posted speed limits.
- Allow more stopping time for bigger vehicles, especially when traveling downhill or on wet and uneven pavement.
- Slow down and apply brakes before approaching a curve.
- Buckle up and ensure all passengers are buckled up throughout the journey.
- Avoid distractions such as using a phone, eating, or talking while driving.
- Plan ahead to account for increased traffic and give yourself ample travel time.
Join Us in Making Quincy Roads Safer
The Quincy Police Department calls on all community members to play a part in this effort. Speeding and aggressive driving not only endanger the driver but also pose significant risks to other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. By choosing to drive responsibly, you can help create a safer roadway environment for everyone.
Remember, it is better to arrive late than to be a statistic. Slow down, be patient, and always prioritize safety on the road.
For more information about Operation Southern Slow Down and our ongoing efforts to improve road safety in Quincy, please visit www.quincyflpd.net or contact us at 850-627-7111.