ALACHUA – Drivers traveling through the City of Alachua can expect to see more police officers on the road this week as the Alachua Police Department joins a multi-state traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing crashes caused by speeding.
The department is participating in Operation Southern Slow Down, a regional traffic safety initiative running from July 13 through July 18. During the campaign, officers will increase enforcement throughout the city, focusing on speeding, aggressive driving and other hazardous traffic violations.
The annual enforcement effort brings together law enforcement agencies across Florida and neighboring southeastern states in an effort to reduce speed-related crashes, serious injuries and fatalities.
According to the Alachua Police Department, speeding not only reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing roadway conditions but also increases the severity of crashes when they occur.
Operation Southern Slow Down is coordinated through partnerships with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Florida Highway Patrol, local law enforcement agencies and transportation and law enforcement partners in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Police are encouraging motorists to obey posted speed limits, allow extra travel time, maintain a safe following distance, avoid aggressive driving, eliminate distractions and remain alert behind the wheel. Drivers also are reminded to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency and service vehicles.
Officials said motorists should expect increased traffic enforcement throughout the week and emphasized that speed limits remain in effect regardless of traffic conditions or the time of day.
“The Alachua Police Department encourages every driver to slow down, remain attentive, and make safe decisions behind the wheel.”
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