Slow down, Decatur. “Operation Slow and Steady” is now underway.
Decatur Police Chief Torry Mack announced this week the launch of the targeted traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing speeding and other dangerous moving violations citywide. The operation officially kicks off on May 15.
The campaign comes as Decatur’s roadways have grown increasingly dangerous. The city has recorded 865 traffic accidents year-to-date, along with 239 additional accidents on private property, a combined pace of roughly 61 crashes per week, according to department figures.
“Although Decatur is quite compact, we are intersected by several major thoroughfares that carry high volumes of traffic each day,” Chief Mack said. “Unfortunately, many drivers are traveling these roadways at excessive speeds, creating dangerous conditions for motorists, pedestrians, and our community as a whole.”
Officers will conduct targeted enforcement in high-traffic corridors and locations flagged through crash data and citizen complaints. The initiative will focus on speeding, reckless driving and moving violations that contribute to serious crashes and fatalities.
Chief Mack said the goal extends beyond writing tickets.
“Our mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and make our streets safer for everyone who travels through our city,” he said. “We want every driver to understand that a few extra miles per hour can have life-changing consequences.”
The department is urging all motorists to obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions behind the wheel, wear seatbelts and practice patience on the road.
