News

United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties (UWRCC) is awarding over $1 million in grants to 39 agency programs aligned with Bold Goals 2030 and demonstrating measurable progress toward these community goals.

In 2020, UWRCC adopted “Bold Goals 2030,” a strategic vision for making our community a stronger place for everyone who calls it home. Developed by key leaders, experts and community members, Bold Goals 2030 outlines key strategies that will help transform our community by addressing our most pressing needs.

“We are excited to partner with 39 programs in our community this year. These programs have been awarded a grant through a competitive process through our Community Impact Committee who feel that these programs will help us move the needle in our Bold Goals 2030 work. We look forward to continuing to make an impact in priority areas for our community,” shares Kristen Swann, Vice President of Collective Impact and Strategic Initiatives for United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties.

Thanks to Redstone Federal Credit Union, United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties will have the tools needed to track the meaningful and measurable improvements being made in the community. Redstone Federal Credit Union has provided a $22,500 grant over five years to provide the Clear Impact software to our community. This software will help measure shared outcomes among United Way’s grant recipients as well as track community-level data, while ensuring programs are being delivered in an equitable way.

“Redstone is excited to partner with the United Way in its efforts to support community organizations as they serve our neighbors and friends,’’ said Mike Panesi, Redstone’s Tennessee Vice President.

To learn more about United Way’s Bold Goals 2030, Grant Partners, or community impact, please visit yourlocaluw.org.

2022-2023 Grant Partners

Alive Hospice, Inc. – Nashville

Ann Campbell Early Learning Center

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN

Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County

Cannon County Senior Citizens Center

Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford & Cannon Counties

City Schools Foundation

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

Domestic Violence, Inc.

Dominion Financial Management

Doors of Hope

Insight Counseling Centers

Interfaith Dental Clinic Rutherford County

Kymari House

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee

Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency

Nourish

Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee

Nurture the Next

Read To Succeed

Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity

Rutherford County Primary Care & Hope Clinic

Special Kids

STARS (Students Taking a Right Stand)

Stepping Stones Safe Haven

The Community Helpers of Rutherford County

The Family Center

The Salvation Army (Rutherford County)

Volunteer Behavioral Health Care

Waves, Inc.

Providing a safe and supportive learning environment where students are able to focus on skills needed for a successful future is the top priority of the Cannon County School district.   Bullying and internet safety prevention are part of Cannon County Schools’ School-Wide Positive Behavior Support program.  The school system has developed the following strategy statement regarding bullying behaviors:

“We recognize bullying as the deliberate use of any word, look, sign, or act that hurts a person’s body, feelings, or things. We also recognize bullying as a type of violence that occurs when someone uses his or her power unfairly and repeatedly to hurt someone else.”

To make our school violence-free and safe from bullying, we pledge

·        not to tolerate bullying

·        to intervene in incidents of bullying and strictly enforce rules against bullying

·        to empower students to report bullying behavior and to treat one another with respect.

As a part of the Bullying Prevention Program, students as well as all staff, participate in lessons designed to help him/her

·        define bullying and understand what behaviors are considered bullying

·        understand the effect of bullying behaviors and develop empathy for targeted students

·        learn ways to respond to bullying behavior

·        learn when and how to report bullying

·        learn the consequences the school has established for engaging in bullying behavior

The overall goal of the Bullying Prevention program is to empower students to report bullying behaviors and to give school staff the tools to recognize, intervene, and issue consequences for bullying behaviors they witness or hear about from students. Students who bully receive appropriate consequences to help them realize that bullying behavior isn’t appropriate and won’t be tolerated at school. 

Additionally, all students participate in lessons concerning internet safety.  Parents may also continue this conversation by using the “NetSmartz® Workshop” which may be found on the Cannon County School District’s homepage or “Stop Bullying.gov”.  “NetSmartz Workshop” is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates provides information to parents on how to keep students cyber-safe.  You may access this information at www.ccstn.net  under “Departments-Coordinated School Health- Bullying Prevention”.  

Cannon County Schools also encourage the public to use the SafeTN platform which is a secure open-door platform where anyone can send in timps and access useful resources to help keep your school and community safe.  SafeTN is a secure, open door communications platform.  The anonymous reporting system allows students, faculty, parents, and the public to easily and confidentially report their concerns to help prevent violence in our schools and our communities. Tips can be submitted 24/7 through the mobile app from any compatible device. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will review, assess, and then send all submissions to law enforcement, mental health crisis response teams, and/or school administrators for intervention based on the information received.

With SafeTN, you can anonymously report suspicious or criminal behavior and other safety concerns. You can do this by reporting observed threats, behaviors, or actions. Here is an example of some of the common behaviors and incidents to report:

• Assault
• Sexual misconduct
• Bragging about an upcoming planned attack
• Violence or planned violence
• Physical injury or harm to self or others
• Threats of violence

 SafeTN is free. Students, staff, parents, and the community need only to download the free mobile app on a compatible device.  You can find more information by visiting our district webpage. 

For questions regarding the Bullying Prevention program and how it is implemented, parents may contact their child’s school principal or school counselor.

The deadline for Tennessee voters to request a ballot to vote absentee by-mail for the Aug. 4 State and Federal Primary & State and County General Election is Thursday, July 28. “County election commissions are accepting absentee by-mail requests now for the Aug. 4 election,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “If you meet one of the reasons under Tennessee state law to vote absentee by-mail and plan to do so, I encourage you to request and return your ballot early to ensure you meet the upcoming deadlines.” Voters must meet one of the 14 reasons under Tennessee law to vote absentee by-mail. One of the most common reasons is being 60 years or older. Other reasons include being outside the county where you are registered during early voting and on Election Day or being hospitalized, ill or physically disabled. For the complete list of legal reasons to vote absentee by-mail see the Guide to Absentee Voting on sos.tn.gov/elections.   To receive an absentee by-mail ballot, voters must submit a written request to their local election commission by mail, fax or email. Voters can find the contact information for their county election commission on the Secretary of State’s website, tnsos.org/elections/election_commissions.php.  Instructions for requesting an absentee by-mail ballot and a printable absentee by-mail ballot application are available in the Guide to Absentee Voting on sos.tn.gov/elections. Voters submitting their request by email must attach a scanned copy of their signature.   For the August election, voters casting their ballot absentee by-mail must also request either a Republican or Democratic primary ballot in order to cast a ballot in a primary election. You will only receive the general election ballot if a party is not specified.   Completed absentee by-mail ballots must be returned by mail to your local county election commission. Ballots must be received before the polls close on Election Day, Thursday, Aug. 4. Voters must provide proper postage to return their ballot. Please consult with your county election commission or the U.S. Postal Service to determine the postage needed. Tennessee voters can easily and securely track the status of their absentee by-mail ballot using the Secretary of State’s Absentee By-Mail Ballot Status Tracker tool. Through this tool, voters can track their absentee by-mail ballot’s status, starting when the county election commission mails your ballot to you and ending when the county election commission has received your completed ballot. Visit the Absentee By-Mail Ballot Status Tracker at tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/. For the latest information on the Aug. 4 election, follow the Secretary of State’s social media channels Twitter: @SecTreHargett, Facebook: Tennessee Secretary of State and Instagram: @tnsecofstate. For more information about voting absentee by-mail or tracking your ballot, go to GoVoteTN.gov, contact your local county election commission or call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) requires certain immunizations for students entering pre-k, kindergarten, and 7^th grades.  There is only one official TDOH certificate of immunization that must be completed by medical providers for delivery to schools. Parents must present this official form prior to or at their child’s registration for pre-k, kindergarten, 7^th grade, or as a new student. This form is available from private healthcare providers or local health departments.

Parents are urged to begin this process early to avoid a delay in their child’s school year. Medical providers experience high volumes of last minute immunization requests prior to the start of school. Therefore, beginning this process early can assure parents these requirements are met in advance of fall registration.

Remember, according to Tennessee State Law (TCA 49-6-5001), no child shall be permitted to attend any public school, kindergarten, or pre-k until proof of immunization is given to the admissions officer of the school. Parents of pre-k, kindergarten, and 7^th grade students must submit an Official Certificate of Immunization on, or prior to, school enrollment. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 7^th grades students without proper immunization documentation will not be allowed to attend Cannon County Schools until the Official Certificate of Immunization is submitted. Medical, religious or homeless exemptions may apply in some cases.

Parents can call the Cannon County Health Department, located at 106 Alexander Drive, Woodbury, TN 37190, Woodbury, to schedule immunizations through their clinic.  You can reach the Health Department at 615-563-4243.Parents may also schedule immunizations through their private healthcare providers.     

Below is a summary of the TDOH rule 1200-14-1-29 which details the immunization requirements for children enrolling in Tennessee Schools.

Children in Pre-School or Pre-K

• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – age younger than 5 years only
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – age younger than 5 years only
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR
• Varicella – 1 dose or credible history of disease
• Hepatitis A – 1 dose, required by 18 months of age or older

Children enrolling in Kindergarten

• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV) – final dose on or after the 4th birthday
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR
• Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease
• Hepatitis A – total of 2 doses, spaced at least 6 – 18 months apart

All children entering 7th grade (including currently enrolled students)

• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap) – evidence of one Tdap dose given before 7th grade entry (administered at or after age 10) is required regardless of Td history

Children who are new enrollees in a TN school in grades other than Kindergarten

• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV – final dose on or after the 4th birthday
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR
• Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease
• New students entering grades other than 7th grade are not required to have Tdap

Children with medical or religious exemption to requirements

·        Medical – Physicians (MD or DO) or Public Health Nurses are authorized to indicate specific vaccines medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the certificate. Other vaccines remain required. The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided.

·        Religious – This exemption requires a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. If the child needs documentation of a health examination for the school, it must be noted by the healthcare provider on the immunization certificate.  In that case, the provider should check the box in section 1a. that the parent has sought a religious exemption to explain why immunization information is absent or incomplete.

 For more information, contact the Cannon County Health Department, your child’s physician, your school nurse, or Bonnie Patterson, Director of Coordinated School Health at 629-218-4815 or bonnie.patterson@ccstn.net.

A Rutherford County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with misrepresenting information provided to the state’s health insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of 39-year-old Holly Garland. She’s charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services. Investigators say Garland allegedly underreported her household income to TennCare to receive benefits for herself and three other family members. As a result, TennCare paid more than $85,899.00 in fees and claims on their behalf.

“TennCare has a means-tested enrollment process because the program is designed for people truly eligible for the program,” Inspector General Chad Holman said. “When someone accesses services they’re not eligible to receive, it can be quite costly to the state. We’re committed to identifying, investigating and ultimately holding accountable those abusing the program.”

The TennCare fraud charge is a class D felony, and the theft of services charge is a class B felony.  The case is being prosecuted by District 16 Attorney General Jennings H. Jones covering Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has identified and investigated more than 130,349 potential fraud cases leading to more than $9.2 million being repaid to TennCare.  In the last year ending June 30, 2021, the total estimated cost avoidance was more than $7.5 million. TennCare’s budget is comprised of both federal and state dollars. To date, 3,174 people of been charged with TennCare fraud.

The OIG’s “Most Wanted” list can be located online at https://www.tn.gov/finance/fa-oig/fa-oig-most-wanted.html. Anyone with information about a wanted subject is urged to use the contact information on the page.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free, or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare fraud.”

A Cannon County man who broke into a local body shop in October 2021 and stole a car and thousands of dollars’ worth of tools before being caught by the Smithville Police Department appeared for sentencing in DeKalb County Criminal Court Monday (July 18)

23-year-old Joseph Morgan entered a plea to theft over $10,000 and received a sentence of 6 years all suspended to supervised probation to run concurrently with a Cannon County TDOC sentence against him. Morgan was given jail credit for 287 days served and he is to make restitution to the victims in the amounts of $300 and $14,584.

According to Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins and Lieutenant Detective James Cornelius, Morgan pried open a side door and entered Custom Collision Auto Body & Repair on South Congress Boulevard around 11 p.m. Saturday night, October 2, 2021. Once inside Morgan found a Kia Soul which belonged to a customer that was in the shop for repairs and began loading into the car thousands of dollars’ worth of tools along with the shop’s DVR surveillance system.

While Morgan was still inside the business, a Smithville Police Officer was on patrol in the area and spotted three people behind Smithville Elementary School who were there dumpster diving. The officer got the identities of the three and ordered them to leave. Not knowing Morgan was inside the body shop a few feet away, the officer left the area and continued patrolling around Food Lion where he found people behind that store. When he chased them away, the officer returned to patrol the parking lot of the county complex and noticed Morgan near the shop. Morgan had opened the bay door from inside the shop and driven the Kia Soul out of the building. After Morgan saw the officer, he sped away. The officer got in pursuit of the vehicle and was joined by other patrolmen. Although police couldn’t catch up to it at the time, the car was later found abandoned off Holmes Creek Road near redneck beach but the stolen tools were not in it.

During his investigation, Detective Cornelius learned that several businesses and other establishments near the scene of the crime captured video with their surveillance systems. He then spent hours reviewing the footage which helped identify Morgan as a suspect. Detective Cornelius also discovered that one of the people dumpster diving behind the elementary school was an acquaintance of Morgan although he had not been connected with Morgan’s illegal activities that night.

Police located Morgan Sunday, October 3, 2021 and brought him in for questioning but he initially denied committing the crimes. Morgan was later released as more evidence was being gathered. By Monday evening, October 4, 2021 Detective Cornelius was ready to make an arrest and again picked up Morgan. Once confronted with the proof, Morgan confessed and led officers to the place where he had ditched the stolen tools near the scene of the crime before making his getaway.

The stolen Kia Soul and almost all the stolen tools were recovered. There was some minor damage to the body shop where Morgan had pried open a door to gain entry. The value of the stolen car is $23,490; $20,000 in shop tools, and $2,300 for the DVR equipment which at the time had not been recovered.

Thanks to Media Partner, WJLE

Today, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released its 2021 ‘Crime in Tennessee’ publication, which details the volume and nature of crime, as reported by the state’s law enforcement agencies.

The report compiles data submitted to TBI through the Tennessee Incident-Based Reporting System (TIBRS). Among the report’s findings:

• A total of 502,706 Group A (typically the most serious) offenses were reported in 2021, decreasing 1.38% from 2020.
• 132,253 Group A arrests were made in 2021, of which 7.65% were juveniles.
• The crime rate per 100,000 for Group A offenses was 7,207.
• There was a total of 18,757 DUI arrests in 2021, an increase of 3.03% from 2020.

“The TIBRS program continues to serve as a model for the nation and remains successful because of the continued cooperation by Tennessee’s law enforcement community,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “TBI remains committed to this effort and will continue to provide the training and technical assistance necessary to collect the most accurate and comprehensive crime statistics for Tennessee and its citizens.”

The full report is now available on TBI’s website.

Seven students from Middle Tennessee spent a week in the nation’s capital last month as delegates of the 2022 Washington Youth Tour. Kellie Koss from Cannon County High School, Thomas Livingston from Page High School, Katelyn Lyons from Summit High School, Louis Millan-Belmonte from Smyrna High School, Maria Galue Ojeda from Stewarts Creek High School, Becca Petty from Mt. Juliet High School and Abby White from Rockvale High School joined 49 other students from across Tennessee on the weeklong trip that began Friday, June 17.   The annual event, sponsored by Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) and the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA), provides young leaders with an opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, learn about government and cooperatives and develop their leadership skills. Students were selected for the trip by writing short stories titled “Electric Cooperatives – Building a Brighter Tennessee” that explain how co-ops like MTE are investing in the future of the communities they serve.                              “These young people are the future leaders of our region,” said Jay Sanders, MTE’s community relations coordinator. “The Youth Tour is a unique opportunity for them to experience history and public policy up-close and personal and to develop leadership skills and knowledge that will serve our communities for years to come.”   “The Youth Tour recognizes the best and brightest from across Tennessee,” said Todd Blocker, TECA vice president of member relations and tour director. “By honoring their accomplishments through programs like the Washington Youth Tour, we show these young people that they have an important role to play in the future of Tennessee. We want these young people to come home with a better understanding of history, stronger leadership skills and a passion to serve their community.”   While in Washington, D.C., Tennessee’s Youth Tour delegates saw the White House and memorials to past presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt as well as monuments honoring the sacrifices of veterans of World War II and the Vietnam and Korean Wars. During visits to the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the students saw and experienced natural, historical and artistic treasures. Other fun stops included historic homes of former presidents — George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello — as well as the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the National Cathedral and a boat cruise down the Potomac River. The group also paid a solemn and sobering visit to Arlington National Cemetery where the delegates laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.   The group was welcomed to the U.S. Capitol by Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty as well as members of the Tennessee congressional delegation who posed for photos and answered questions.   “An investment in these young people is also an investment in the communities we serve,” said David Callis, TECA CEO. “These are exceptional students, and our hope is that their youth tour experience empowers them to return home and make a difference in their communities.”   Then Senator- Lyndon Johnson inspired the Washington Youth Tour in 1957 when he encouraged electric cooperatives to send students to the nation’s capital. In the years since, more than 6,000 young Tennesseans have been delegates on the Washington Youth Tour.

The downward trend at the gas pump continues as Tennessee is headed into its fifth straight week of declines. Gas prices fell, on average, 18 cents over last week – the biggest weekly decline so far this year. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.10 which is 50 cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.22 more than one year ago.  

“Tennesseans are now seeing the cheapest prices at the pump in 10 weeks and it’s likely that prices will move even lower this week, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While the oil market still remains volatile, significant drops in crude oil prices over the last few weeks alongside a steep decline in domestic gasoline demand are paving way for cheaper prices at the gas pump.”

Quick Facts

• 41% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.00 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.74 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.52 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee is the 7th least expensive market in the nation 

National Gas Prices

The national average for a gallon of gas fell 15 cents since last week to $4.52. The steady decline is due to lower domestic demand for gasoline at the pump and a much lower global price for oil. The cost of a barrel of oil is in the mid-$90s, down from around $110 two weeks ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dropped from 9.41 million b/d to 8.06 million b/d last week, while total domestic gas stocks increased by 5.8 million bbl. The decrease in demand and declining oil prices have helped push pump prices down. As these supply/demand dynamics hold, drivers will likely continue to see price relief at the pump.

Today’s national average of $4.52 is 46 cents less than a month ago and $1.36 more than a year ago.

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Knoxville ($4.29), Morristown ($4.24), Memphis ($4.20)
• Least expensive metro markets – Cleveland ($3.89), Chattanooga ($3.99), Clarksville ($3.99)

Drivers who feel the need for speed better hit the brakes or be ready to see blue lights in their rear-view mirror during Operation Southern Slow Down. From July 18 – 24, this speed enforcement and education campaign, formerly called Operation Southern Shield, returns in five southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

“Speeding drivers are almost three times more likely to be involved in fatal or serious-injury crashes,” said Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety. “Speeding increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle and threatens the safety of everyone around you. All we ask is for voluntary compliance to ensure everyone can make it home safely.”

State troopers and local law enforcement officers will conduct concentrated enforcement on interstates and state highways in these five states for the entire week in a team effort to stop the increase in drivers traveling at speeds well above the legal limit. Law enforcement agencies in the southeast and across the nation have seen a substantial increase in the number of vehicles traveling at speeds above 100 miles per hour in the last two years.

“The majority of people driving in a safe and legal manner should not have to worry about their safety from selfish drivers who show no regard for their safety and the safety of others with their disregard for speed limits and other highway safety laws,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Georgia is once again ready to work with our friends in our neighboring states to protect all road users by putting these dangerous drivers on the shoulder of the road and issuing them a ticket.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States has seen an increase in overall traffic fatalities and speed-related traffic deaths in the last two years. Even though there was a 22 percent decline in total traffic crashes in the United States in 2020 compared to 2019 and an 11 percent decrease in the number miles traveled in the country in 2020 compared to the previous year, the number of persons killed in crashes in the U.S. in 2020 increased by 6.6. percent compared to 2019. 

“As more motorists drive on our roads and highways during the busy summer travel period, this effort will serve as a strong reminder to obey the speed limit and other traffic safety laws,” said Kenneth Boswell, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. “We all want to arrive at our destinations safely, and ADECA is pleased to support our law enforcement officers as they work overtime to increase safety and prevent injuries and deaths from automobile crashes.”

Speed was a factor in 29 percent of total traffic fatalities in the United States in 2020, which is a three percent increase from the previous year. The number of persons killed in crashes involving speeding increased by 17 percent in 2020 compared to 2019.  

Almost one out of every three speeding drivers involved in a fatal crash in the United States in 2020 did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash, and 53 percent of speeding drivers who were involved in speeding crashes in the U.S. that year were not wearing seat belts.

“We know that speed and aggressive driving continue to be challenges for law enforcement throughout the country. In addition to our normal enforcement efforts, the SC Department of Public Safety announced Area-Coordinated Enforcement Teams (ACE) last July 4th weekend along with new striped, unmarked vehicles, said Robert G. Woods, IV, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. “We have seen promising results with these efforts in intercepting dangerous and deadly driving behaviors, especially due to speed. We are proud to stand alongside our Southeastern partners for Operation Southern Slow Down as we work together to combat these deadly driving behaviors from border to border in the Southeast.”

Federal highway safety data shows that the youngest drivers on the road are involved in speed-related fatal crashes more than any other age group. Thirty-five percent of male drivers and 18 percent of female drivers in the 15-to-20-year-old age group were involved in fatal crashes nationwide in 2020.

In the southeast, the number of people killed in speed-related crashes in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee increased by 14 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. There were 1,611 persons killed in traffic crashes that involved speeding in these five states in 2020 and 1,418 persons killed in crashes involving speeding the prior year.

Operation Southern Slow Down began in 2017 when the five states in NHTSA’s Region 4 decided to hold a week-long joint speed enforcement and education campaign in the third week of July with the goal of reducing crashes and saving lives.

“Florida is pleased to partner with Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina for the “Southern Slow Down” traffic safety campaign.  Eliminating roadway fatalities is the highest priority of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and our safety partners,” said Will N. Watts, Jr., P.E., FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, and the Florida Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety.  “We can engineer the best transportation system, but speeding and aggressive driving continue to contribute to significant and critical behavior-related challenges on Florida’s roads. This partnership shows the commitment of working together and educating the community to help reach the target of zero serious injuries and fatalities on transportation systems.” 

Over a four-year period from 2017 through 2020, Operation Southern Slow Down has seen a two percent reduction in traffic deaths in the five states from the week before to the week of the enforcement and education campaign and a 14 percent reduction in speed-related traffic deaths from the week before to the week of Operation Southern Slow Down.

NHTSA offers the following safety reminders:

• Faster speeds require longer to stop a vehicle.
• The stopping distance quadruples every time a driver doubles their speed.
• Allow more stopping time for bigger vehicles when traveling downhill on wet or uneven pavement.
• Check speedometer when approaching a curve. Apply the brakes before the curve.
• Remember, children will usually drive in the manner they see adults. Set a good example by driving at the speed limit.

 
Traveling on the same road with speeding drivers:

• Give speeding drivers plenty of space.
• If speeding drivers are following too closely, allow them to pass.
• Stay out of the far-left lane unless you are passing another vehicle.
• Always wear a seat belt.