HPD’s ‘Summer Slowdown’ encourages drivers to hit the brakes, not exceed the limit
Published on June 9, 2025
As summer gets underway, 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 its kids playing outside, teens 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 our effort to reduce dangerous driving, increase awareness and keep our community safe every time someone gets behind the wheel.”
So far in 2025, Huntsville has seen 12 fatal crashes, with speed playing a primary or contributing role. HPD officers continue to observe drivers exceeding posted speed limits by extreme margins, including in residential neighborhoods where residents have reported regular violations of 20 miles per hour or more.
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 residentials neighborhoods where speeding complaints are common. The department will also share ongoing 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 neighborhoods, and committing to safer speeds behind the wheel.