Tennessee – (WOKI) – Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee are increasing patrols as part of the annual Operation Southern Slow Down traffic enforcement campaign.
The initiative, which runs through July 18, involves the Tennessee Highway Patrol, local police departments, and sheriff’s offices working alongside law enforcement agencies in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The campaign focuses on reducing speeding and reckless driving during the busy summer travel season.
Officers will concentrate enforcement efforts on major interstates, state highways, and other high-risk roadways. In addition to speeding violations, law enforcement will be watching for distracted driving, including cell phone use, reckless driving, and impaired driving offenses.
According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, crashes involving excessive speed are significantly more likely to result in fatal injuries than crashes where speed is not a factor. State officials say the campaign was created to combat the increased number of serious and deadly crashes that occur during peak summer travel periods.
Drivers traveling in East Tennessee and across the state can expect increased patrol visibility and strict enforcement throughout the week.
Officials are reminding motorists to obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and always drive responsibly.
