Traveling the south for summer vacation? Be prepared to see more law enforcement on the roadways checking for drivers with a heavy foot.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, five states including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina will participate in "Operation Southern Shield 2019" which will target those driving over the posted speed limits.

The campaign kicks off Monday and will continue through Sunday, July 21.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has been a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the United States during the past two decades.

In 2018, approximately 346 individuals were killed in speed-related traffic crashes across Alabama, according to a news release from ALEA.

Last year, during the same campaign, law enforcement officials issued more than 14,000 citations, with over 35% of those for speeding. Officers also issued citations during that period for failing to wear a seat belt, driving with a revoked license or without insurance.

In addition, Alabama law enforcement officers took 339 suspected DUI drivers off the road during that period, according to ALEA.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Kirsten Fiscus at 334-318-1798 or KFiscus@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KDFiscus