Initiative to be in effect through Saturday, July 18
On July 13, Operation Southern Slow Down began again in Sarasota County, representing collaboration among the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Southeastern state partners, the Sheriff’s Office announced.
Later the same day, the Sarasota Police Department reported that it also is participating in Operation Slow Down.
The initiative is an “annual multi-state Speed & Aggressive Driving Enforcement Wave,” a Sheriff’s Office news release points out. This year’s campaign was scheduled to run from Monday, July 13, through Saturday, July 18, across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, the release adds.
During this period, members of “law enforcement agencies in all five states will engage in a coordinated high-visibility enforcement effort aimed at reducing speeding and aggressive driving behaviors,” the release notes. “With speed remaining a major contributing factor in serious injury and fatal crashes, the initiative underscores the vital importance of adhering to speed limits,” the release adds.
Sarasota County “Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is known for his longtime efforts to improve road safety through creative initiatives to reduce speeding and reckless driving,” the release continues. “Keeping our community safe is our top responsibility,” Hoffman said in the release. “We believe that traffic accidents can be greatly reduced with the right mix of education and awareness. Through efforts like Operation Southern Slow Down, we aim to promote responsible driving.”
The release stresses, “Motorists are urged to drive responsibly and be aware that increased law enforcement presence will be evident throughout the campaign. For more information on traffic safety initiatives, visit www.nhtsa.gov.”
The Police Department news release points out, “Speeding and aggressive driving don’t just endanger the driver behind the wheel. They also put passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists at risk. If you encounter a speeding or aggressive driver,” drivers should do the following, it says:
- “Move over safely if another vehicle is attempting to pass.
- “Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and a speeding driver.
- “Avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. If someone is tailgating or attempting to provoke you, safely move out of the way when possible.
- “If you believe a driver is following or harassing you, call law enforcement when it is safe to do so.”
The Police Department release adds, “While citations may be written, the Sarasota Police Department’s primary goal is to increase awareness, change driving behavior and improve safety for everyone on the road.” Its personnel ask motorists to remember the following:
- “Slow down.
- “Stay alert.
- “Obey the speed limit.
- “Eliminate distractions and help make the City of Sarasota’s streets safer for everyone.”