As summer begins, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is urging all drivers to be more aware and slow down – especially on city streets and in neighborhoods where more people are out walking, biking, and driving.

The Summer Slowdown campaign, running from June 9 through Aug. 12, is aimed at curbing dangerous driving habits and reducing crashes through a combination of education and enforcement. Whether it’s kids playing outside, teenagers getting behind the wheel for the first time, or residents simply enjoying the season, the message is simple: slow down and stay safe.

“This isn’t just about traffic enforcement – it’s about protecting lives,” Police Chief Kirk Giles said. “Summer Slowdown is part of our efforts to reduce dangerous driving, increase awareness, and keep our community safe every time someone gets behind the wheel.”

Huntsville has seen 12 fatal crashes this year with speed playing a primary or contributing role in each incident. HPD officers continue to routinely observe drivers exceeding posted speed limits by extreme margins, including in residential neighborhoods.

Between January and May, HPD issued 2,625 citations and 1,641 written warnings – most involving drivers exceeding the speed limit by at least 10 miles per hour. Officers also cited three drivers for racing on the highway and 36 for reckless driving.

To combat these trends, HPD will increase patrols and enforcement in high-risk areas and residential neighborhoods where speeding complaints are most common. The department will also share education and safety reminders through social media and community events to encourage responsible driving habits.

“Enforcement alone won’t solve the problem,” Chief Giles said. “We must engage with our community to educate drivers on the real risks of speeding – from deadly crashes to the financial and legal consequences they will face.”

HPD invites residents to join the effort by following the campaign via #SummerSlowdownHSV on social media, reporting unsafe driving in their neighborhood, and committing to safer speeds behind the wheel.