TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — July 14, 2025 — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has officially launched the 2025 edition of Operation Southern Slow Down, a multi-state traffic safety campaign aimed at reducing speed-related crashes and fatalities during the busy summer travel season. Running in partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and transportation and law enforcement agencies across Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, this initiative seeks to remind drivers that speeding is a deadly and preventable choice.

Through enhanced enforcement efforts and widespread public safety messaging, Operation Southern Slow Down is designed to address the persistent threat of speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors on Florida’s roadways. Last year, speeding contributed to 437 fatalities—13% of all traffic deaths in the state, according to FLHSMV data.

“Florida’s transportation system is meticulously engineered to maximize safety—it’s woven into every design plan, every education campaign, and every traffic safety law enforced by our law enforcement partners,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Operation Southern Slow Down is a strong example of how each of these facets works together to create safer roadways.”

Florida Highway Patrol Major Mark Castleberry, Volusia County Chief Deputy Brian Henderson, Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher, Orange City Police Chief Wayne Miller President of the Volusia & Flagler County Police Chiefs Association Inc., and FDOT District Five Director of Transportation Operations Charles Heffinger Jr., P.E. (Flagler News Weekly)

A Regional Call to Action

The campaign reflects a unified approach by southeastern states to tackle dangerous driving habits, especially speeding, through cross-border cooperation.

“Operation Southern Slow Down is a united effort to reduce dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious crashes on our roadways,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “Through increased enforcement and proactive education, FHP and our partners are working across state lines to save lives and move closer to our shared vision of zero traffic deaths.”

The message is simple but powerful: slow down, obey speed limits, and respect the lives of everyone sharing the road.

“Speeding threatens the lives of everyone on the road and that is why Georgia and our neighbors are sending the message that illegal and dangerous driving behaviors will not be tolerated,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

“This reckless decision behind the wheel is one of the top contributing factors for collisions in South Carolina,” added Robert G. Woods IV, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Volusia Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Brian Henderson and Frank Kelleher, President of the Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR Southeast Regional President, help kick off Operation Southern Slow Down at the Daytona International Speedway on July 14, 2025. (Flagler News Weekly)

Support from Community and Industry Leaders

The campaign also has strong support from the private sector and local communities. Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR Southeast Regional President, highlighted how essential safe travel is—not only during major events like the Daytona 500, but every day:

“We need a strong partnership away from those major events in order for fans to have that great experience. Us partnering up with programs like this in the Southeast when it’s not a major event is critical… Going 20 miles an hour over the speed limit is not the answer.”

Tim Roberts, State Coordinator for the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program, emphasized that Operation Southern Slow Down is about more than tickets—it’s about education and prevention:

“It’s time to get the information out this way rather than on the side of the road. Hopefully it will prevent some serious injuries or fatalities… Every life is important.”

Retired law enforcement Tim Roberts, State Coordinator for the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program, and his father Gene Roberts stay engaged to further support law enforcement. (Flagler News Weekly)

For Roberts, the mission is personal. As the son of legendary Ormond Beach law enforcement officer Gene Roberts, Tim continues his family’s legacy of public service:

“Daytona’s always important to us, Ormond Beach is important to us… but again, there’s 67 counties in Florida, and with 23 million people there’s no demographic. We all can be victims if we don’t control what’s going on on our roadways.”

Safety First: What Drivers Can Do

To help support Operation Southern Slow Down, FDOT is urging all drivers to adopt the following safety practices:

  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances.

  • Always wear a seatbelt, and make sure all passengers are buckled up.

  • Stay alert and avoid distractions, such as mobile phones.

  • Maintain safe distances between vehicles and practice patience.

  • Plan ahead using FL511.com and allow extra time during busy travel periods.

  • Reduce speed in construction zones and be extra cautious in poor weather.

  • Report aggressive driving by calling *FHP (*347) or 911.

Law enforcement and the private sector join forces to educate the public about the dangers of speeding for Operation Southern Slow Down 2025. (Flagler News Weekly)

A Vision for Zero Traffic Deaths

With its focus on both enforcement and education, Operation Southern Slow Down is a critical component of Florida’s broader commitment to reducing traffic-related fatalities and injuries to zero. By bringing together law enforcement, transportation officials, community leaders, and everyday drivers, Florida and its Southeastern partners are making it clear: speeding is not worth the risk.

For more information on Florida’s traffic safety initiatives, visit FLHSMV.gov or FDOT.gov.

*FDOT DISTRICT FIVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT.

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