South Carolina law enforcement agencies are stepping up speed enforcement as part of Operation Southern Slow Down, a weeklong campaign (July 13th – 18th) aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes during the “100 Deadly Days of Summer.”
The annual initiative is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and law enforcement agencies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Throughout the campaign, South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers, State Transport Police officers and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols on interstates and state highways, focusing on drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit.
Officials say excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes and fatalities, putting motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency responders and law enforcement officers at greater risk.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that a vehicle’s stopping distance increases dramatically as speed rises, making it more difficult to avoid collisions. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, obey posted speed limits and leave additional stopping distance when driving larger vehicles or traveling on wet, uneven or downhill roadways.
Operation Southern Slow Down is conducted each summer to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and encourage safer driving habits throughout the Southeast. Law enforcement officials remind motorists that slowing down can help save lives.
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