Alabama state troopers are set to keep a closer eye on drivers on the interstate.

Troopers across five states are starting the annual “Operation Southern Slow Down” initiative.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs reports that there will be more law enforcement officers on the road. Drivers who are pulled over for speeding can expect to get a ticket.

“We all want to arrive at our destinations safely during this busy summer travel season, and this joint effort will serve as a strong reminder to obey traffic safety laws,” said Kenneth Boswell, Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. “We support our law enforcement officers in Alabama and the Southeast as they work hard to prevent injuries and deaths from automobile crashes.”

Deputies from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are spending the week of July 15 to run the speed enforcement and awareness campaign.

Local law enforcement officers will focus on aggressive driving and speeding on interstates and major highways in their jurisdictions.

There was a 13% increase in deadly crashes involving speeding from 2019 to 2023. The number rose from 1,418 deaths across five states to 1,604. Speeding played a role in one out of five deaths in the Southeast between 2019 and 2023.

“You’re almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash when you’re speeding,” said Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety. “Speeding lowers your reaction time, increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, and reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment. Let’s work together to protect our roadways this summer. All we ask is for voluntary compliance.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has several tips for staying safe on the roads, like giving speeding drivers plenty of space and allowing them to pass if they are driving too closely. They recommend staying out of the far-left lane unless it is to pass other drivers. Lastly, they say that drivers should always wear a seatbelt.

“Operation Southern Slow Down” began nine years ago, in 2017. Southern highway leaders wanted to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding to reduce crashes and save lives. This takes place during the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Speeding Slows You Down” education and enforcement campaign that runs for most of July.