Drivers who have been putting the pedal to the metal will need to hit the brakes or expect to see blue lights in the rear-view mirror when the “Operation Southern Shield” speed enforcement and awareness campaign begins Monday, July 19. Speeding is a risky behavior that increases the risk of being involved in a crash and increases the severity of the crash. It limits a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves, to avoid a dangerous situation, and to stop the vehicle in a short distance.
The southeastern regional campaign returns for a fifth year after reducing traffic deaths in Georgia during the first four years of the week-long enforcement period when compared to the week before and after the enforcement efforts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding, whether exceeding the posted speed limit or driving faster than is safe for the current conditions, is one of the leading contributors to traffic crashes and the resulting deaths and injuries. Speeding is a contributing factor in over 9,000 annual deaths. In 2020, 17% of traffic crashes involved speeding.
“The objective of the “Operation Southern Shield” week is not to write tickets, but to show everyone that driving the speed limit saves lives,” said Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department. “That is why Southern Shield has saved lives in its first four years and is why traffic enforcement remains the most effective method to prevent people from being killed in traffic crashes.”
Those traveling in Georgia during “Operation Southern Shield” from Monday, July 19 through Saturday, July 24 can expect to see Sandersville Police Officers enforcing all traffic laws. The goal will be to prevent crashes by stopping motorists who are endangering public safety on Sandersville’s roads by speeding, driving distracted, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and other violations of the state traffic laws.
