By Jim Carchidi
July 12, 2026
Drivers on I4 will notice a higher-than-average police presence this week as Orlando joins a five-state campaign against speeding and reckless driving. From July 13-18, Operation Southern Slow Down will unite law enforcement agencies in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee in efforts to prevent crashes and save lives.
The statewide effort
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data states that 33% of all Florida traffic fatalities are speed related. Operation Southern Slow Down began in 2017 with the ongoing cooperation of statewide agencies including the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and Florida Highway Patrol.
The campaign focuses on the following major highways:
I-95
I-75
I-4
I-10
Super Speeders
According to an FDOT post, the campaign emphasizes that speeding increases the risk of life-altering injuries and fatalities. And aims to permanently change driver behavior by encouraging motorists to put safety first, obey speed limits, and respect all roadway users. Educational outreach pairs speed reduction with additional safety practices, such as never driving under the influence, remaining alert, and always wearing a seatbelt.
In 2025, the operation served a total of 53,000 citations for speeding and 2,230 were served for reckless driving. More than 3,000 citations were served for distracted driving, and 1,400 drivers were arrested on DUI charges.
Last year’s effort was also the first to include the Super Speeder Law, which makes it a criminal offense to exceed the posted speed limit by 50 miles per hour or to drive over 100 miles per hour. The law replaces tickets with mandatory arrests, potential jail time, court appearances, and license revocation. According to FHP data, more than 4,000 arrests were made in the first year of Super Speeder Law enforcement with Orange County accounting for 500 arrests.
Important points
Operation Southern Slow Down reminds drivers of the following points:
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other impairing substances.
- Safety belts should be worn for every trip.
- Remain alert and drive with caution. Avoid distractions including cell phones every time you get behind the wheel.
- Practice patience and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Plan your route in advance and allow extra time for traffic during peak travel times.
- Allow more stopping time if driving a larger vehicle, especially on wet pavement.
- Speed must be reduced when driving in construction zones.
Anyone witnessing aggressive driving should contact local law enforcement by dialing *FHP (*347) or 911.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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