Local law enforcement prepares for ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Operation slow down focuses on informing the public of safe driving techniques and enforcing speed limits. 

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Georgia State Patrol are working to enforce safety in the region.

“We’re asking the drivers in this state, and in this region, to do one thing. Think about others when you drive. That the very vehicle that you’re driving could take your life or someone else’s life,” Lt. Maurice Raines of Georgia State Patrol said.

Officers are focusing on traffic safety tips and upcoming efforts to prevent future crashes, injuries, and fatalities. 

“Our whole goal in life is to be safe and to make it through life. So, in order to do that, we need to slow down so that we can see the birthday parties, and be at the dinner table, and making sure we’re in the classroom… and we can all do our part because it’s a collective thing,” Tennessee Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Willis Moore said.

Speeding has caused fatalities all across interstates. 695 records have already been reported in this year alone.

“All we’re asking the public to do is to slow down, abide by the laws, do what you need to do to get where you’re going as safely as possible,” Director of Tennessee Highway Safety Office Buddy Lewis said. 

The hope is that drivers will be more cautious on the roads with greater law supervision.

Law enforcement from Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina will also be participating. 

The campaign runs through Sunday.

Slowing down could mean the difference between life and death.