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FHP Conducts Speed Enforcement Operation On Highway 97
September 16, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a speed enforcement detail last weekend on Highway 97 in North Escambia.
FHP Captain Jason King said the detail was “in response to citizens’ concerns about dangerous driving”.
In a two-hour timeframe Saturday morning, troopers conducted 10 traffic stops on vehicles exceeding the posted 55 mph speed limit between Highway 29 in Molino and the Alabama state line. King said no other violations were observed during the enforcement detail.
A fatality occurred last Friday morning on Highway 97 just before 7 a.m., and a two-vehicle crash about an hour later, and about 3.5 miles south on Highway 97, injured two people. There was also a five-vehicle wreck with multiple injuries that occurred in August on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
18 Responses to “FHP Conducts Speed Enforcement Operation On Highway 97”
Maybe if people didn’t run up and down 97 flashing their lights at each other to warn of LE presence, LE would be able to catch and do more to the ones breaking the law. There are not enough cops to dedicate patrols to one road in the county.
Spent the happiest, most precious time of my life for 20 years in Davisville and Walnut Hill. Traveled the Atmore “cutoff” more times than I can’t remember. There are so many ample times to pass safely, it’s 14 miles to Earnest Ward’s blinking light then 8 more to the state line. Told you I traveled it so many times. Conclusion, it’s always those crawling at 54 mph or so, those on cellphone which cause hazards. Be patient, be safe, be kind
Perhaps we should lower all speed limits to 5 MPH!!! Then nobody would ever get hurt again, right? Interstates? 5 MPH. School Zones? 5 MPH. Highways? 5 MPH! The challenge government has is identifying whatever they think is the optimal balance between the citizen’s need to arrive at their destination in a 20th-21st Century travel time and our collective safety. For those who’s lives are a series of neverending back to back appointments, “leaving ahead of time” is frequently impossible and I pity those folks. Personally, slow drivers who block traffic on 2 lane roads drive me as crazy as those passing at 90 MPH on double lines. I am not sure which group causes the most accidents.
I, for one, cannot wait to see what will no doubt be spectacular collisions overhead once flying cars become a thing. The odd axle/rocket booster crashing through your roof will be glorious! Imagine our insurance rates then!
“Yep You are correct, you can lower the speed limit to 35 and you’re still going to have stupid. Not the ECSO, FHP fault. You can’t fix stupid and unfortunately good people pay for stupid. More speed patrol may help but they can’t be there 24/7.
Just pay attention to your surroundings and stay in your lane!! Put down your phone and drive the speed limit save a life if you’re driving and just have to respond pull off the road and call/text back it’s not worth killing yourself or someone else. I would be so hurt if it happened to me while I was driving
I know all the speeding and passing get the angry posts here, but I’d venture to say that MOST of these wrecks are actually caused by “distracted” drivers.
I have been driving Hwy 97 for the last 20 years and the main problem with it now is distracted driving. Cell phones being the main problem.
They need to get the ones going under the speed limit too! They are just as bad!
You cant fix stupid people…A road is just a road why is it that we blame everything but the stupid people I will never understand..no matter what the police do or anyone else there will always be stupid people.. You could four lane it or put speed bumps on it and PEOPLE would still be dangerous.
Glad to see it! I’ve driven highway 97 thousands and thousands of times. While I would agree that slow drivers can contribute to the problem…it is usually impatience that kills.
I’ve gone 70 MPH and still had empty log trucks pass me.
In my experience, it seems to be the out-of-area casino traffic and the high school boys that create the most danger on hwy 97. A broad brush, I know…but that’s my two cents.
The State needs to read these articles and they’d know exactly what to do.
Cause bad drivers gonna be bad drivers.
Here’s the Thing! Thank you Law Enforcement being out for the two hours on a Saturday morning. However, that’s not enough time and the wrong day. It’s Monday thru Friday from 5am to 7pm most of the traffic and violations occur. We know you are stretched thin enough we do appreciate your efforts.
So drivers it is our responsibility to obey the Laws. It is a privilege to drive, not a right, think about others when operating a motor vehicle.
Thank you Florida Highway Patrol
The state needs to enforce the law strictly, (if there is a serious accident) investigate thoroughly, and punish sufficiently, in order to help get the situation under control.
I was letting my 15-year-old son drive that road one day. He had some idiot pass him on a Double yellow line and on that same exact drive, he had someone coming in the opposite direction that was passing someone else on a curve. He had to slam on the brakes and get off of the road to avoid a collision. It’s so scary! It will only get worse if we don’t do something about it now!
Thanks FHP.
That road needs to be patrolled. I hope they write tickets both ways….too fast and too slow. There are places on that road where you can’t pass, if you’re behind someone going 45, the line stacks up and becomes dangerous. Really needs to be a 4 lane.
Yes something needs to b done. I’m a truck driver that uses that road every day. They will pass me in curves double yellow lines it doesn’t matter. Completely out of control.