The annual Southeastern United States speed enforcement and awareness campaign known as “Operation Southern Shield” begins today on Monday, July 20.
The regional campaign is returning for a fourth year after reducing traffic deaths in Georgia during the first three years of the week-long enforcement period.
This year’s “Southern Shield” campaign reinforces the message of the dangers of driving above the legal speed limit, as fewer vehicles traveling on interstates and major highways during the COVID-19 situation have contributed to an increase in speeding in Georgia and across the U.S.
The Sandersville Police Department is currently joining forces with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and agencies in surrounding states to target drivers who are speeding excessively on roadways.
Last year, Sandersville Police officers issued four (4) speeding citations, five (5) distracted driving citations, one (1) impaired driving citation, five (5) seat-belt citations, and 31 other citations during the 7- day period from July 15 – 21.
The 2019 Southern Shield caused the number of traffic deaths in Georgia to drop. In comparison to the first two weeks of July 2019, the final two weeks saw a 29 percent decrease in traffic related deaths. There were 70 people killed in traffic crashes from July 1 – 14 and 50 traffic deaths from July 15 – 29.
“Our goal is to reduce crashes, deaths, and injuries through enforcing the speed limit and educating motorists on the increased risk they take when driving over the speed limit,” said Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department.
Operation Southern Shield is a collaborative effort that takes place in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee.