Motorists Beware: Operation Southern Shield Is Under Way

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Motorists in five southern states may want to pay close attention to their habits behind the wheel this week. Law enforcement officers in five states, including Florida, are teaming up to curb speeding and cut down on traffic accidents and deaths.

Operation Southern Shield kicked off Monday in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee. Drivers in those states can expect to see extra troopers on interstates, local highways and even backroads, officials say.

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“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to making our highways safer, and we plan to do that by bolstering our forces to reduce the number and severity of crashes,” Col. Gene Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, said in a Monday statement. “Troopers will take appropriate enforcement action on those drivers who put themselves and others in danger.”

The multi-state effort fits in with Florida’s “Arrive Alive,” campaign, officials say. Throughout the multi-state operation, which runs through July 23, troopers will work with local law enforcement to “enhance education, visibility, and enforcement to help ensure the southeastern United States has the safest roadways possible,” Spaulding’s statement said.

Motorists can expect troopers to be “especially vigilant regarding seatbelt usage, speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving violations,” the patrol noted.

Motorists who want to avoid bumping up against Operation Southern Shield are advised to:

• Pay attention to the speed limit
• Wear a seatbelt
• Refrain from texting and driving

“We want everyone to have a safe traveling experience, and I encourage motorists to do their part by complying with all traffic laws, including making sure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up and drivers are not driving distracted or impaired,” Spaulding said.

Motorists who encounter aggressive or impaired drivers on Florida roads are advised to pull over to safe locations and call the patrol on their cellphones at *FHP.

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