From staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) investigated seven fatal traffic crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday resulting in nine deaths. In 2014 only six deaths occurred during the same period of time.
The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year and is measured from 12:01 a.m.Wednesday, Nov. 25, to midnight Sunday, Nov. 29. During that time, Alabama State Troopers investigated deadly crashes in Escambia, Geneva, Lauderdale, Limestone, Macon, Mobile and Talladega counties. One of those killed was a motorcyclist wearing a helmet. The other eight individuals were in vehicles equipped with seat belts, but only two were restrained; usage is unknown for one of those killed.
“Sadly, we must report that nine individuals lost their lives on Alabama roadways during the Thanksgiving travel period. Based on preliminary investigation, alcohol was a factor in at least one of the deadly crashes,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said. “I want to remind Alabamians of the importance of using seat belts and child restraints each and every time they get into a vehicle, no matter how short the distance.”
As in the past, ALEA partnered with local law enforcement across the state to create a highly visible enforcement presence throughout the five-day enforcement period, using funding provided by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.