LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Police Department conducted 164 traffic stops as part of the 2026 Operation Southern Slow Down campaign, a regional traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing speed-related crashes and fatalities through increased enforcement and public education.
The enforcement campaign ran July 13-18. During that period, Lady Lake officers reported:
- 164 total traffic stops
- 10 citations issued
- 154 warnings issued
- 3 arrests for operating while license suspended
Operation Southern Slow Down is an annual traffic safety campaign conducted in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol, local law enforcement agencies and transportation and law enforcement partners throughout the Southeastern United States.
The campaign combines targeted enforcement with education to remind motorists of the dangers associated with excessive speed and encourage safer driving habits.
“Operation Southern Slow Down is all about changing driving behavior before that behavior results in a serious or fatal crash,” said Cpl. Andru Eckerdt. “The fact that the majority of our contacts resulted in warnings gave our officers an opportunity to educate drivers and reinforce a simple message: slow down, stay alert and help us keep Lady Lake’s roads safe.”
The Lady Lake Police Department encourages drivers to obey posted speed limits, allow adequate following distance and remain attentive behind the wheel. Drivers are also reminded that speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
Through participation in statewide and regional traffic safety initiatives such as Operation Southern Slow Down, the Lady Lake Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement and education designed to make local roadways safer for residents and visitors.
Looking Ahead:
The Lady Lake Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Florida and the nation for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, an enforcement and education effort aimed at keeping impaired drivers off the road. The campaign runs from Aug. 19-Sept. 7
