Operation Southern Shield begins Sunday

July 12, 2019–7:54 a.m.

CALHOUN POLICE NEWS RELEASE

Law enforcement officers in Georgia are ready to put the hammer down on drivers who are hammering down on their gas pedal during the second annual “Operation Southern Shield” speed enforcement operation.

After the last 2 year’s highly successful operation that drew national attention, Georgia will join neighboring states in Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina in pulling over drivers who are breaking the law by traveling above the legal speed limit on interstates, major highways and local roads from Sunday, July 14 through Sunday, July 21.

Calhoun Police Chief Tony Pyle encourages motorists to drive safely and slow down.  “Our main focus this week is reducing crashes and providing a safer transportation experience for motorists traveling in our city and throughout Georgia.”

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of traffic deaths reported in the state during last year’s Southern Shield was 35 percent lower than the past several years during the weeks of July.

“If you are pulled over next week, don’t ask for a warning because this is it; the speed limit on every road in this city and state is set to protect everyone who is traveling on them,” stated Chief Pyle.

While state and local law enforcement agencies will be handling their own speed enforcement operations across the five southeastern states, Georgia will once again join their law enforcement partners in Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina for joint operations during the week

For more information about the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, follow us on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram at gahighwaysafety.org.

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