COLUMBIA, S.C. — Last week, South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) partnered with several other Southern law enforcement agencies for an initiative called 'Southern Slow Down' -- an attempt to crack down on speeding on state highways and interstates. Other states participating between July 17th and July 24th were Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia.
SCHP's Master Trooper David Jones said this initiative worked to bring more accountability when driving.
“We see speed being a major contributor to not only crashes with injury, but crashes with fatalities,” he said.
Jones said while this isn't the first year the agency has participated, it may be a more crucial year with increased deaths.
“Over the last two years we’ve seen a major increase of vehicle speeds upwards of 100 miles per hour," he said.
Master Trooper Jones also said in addition to a crackdown, the program served as an education for better decision-making by motorists while driving.
News 19 spoke to a few motorists about driving on the roadways this week with this initiative in mind.
“I think it needs to be over a longer period of time to be more effective," Rebecca Van Wyke said.
“I think it can be effective if they bring it back every month or so. It’s the fact about slowing people down at least. Probably decreasing accidents and reckless driving," John Boulay said.
The Slow Down ended Sunday. Master Trooper Jones said the numerical data could be released later this week.