By Amalia Kortright, For The Tribune
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is encouraging all citizens to stay safe this Memorial Day Weekend while traveling on Alabama’s roadways and waterways.
The official travel period for Memorial Day begins at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 27 and ends at midnight on Monday, May 30. However, Alabama State Troopers on highway patrol and Marine Patrol Divisions will team up for the two weeks before that to promote public safety.
“Troopers will target such dangerous behavior as speeding, DUI, distracted driving, following too closely and other driving behaviors that cause crashes and contribute to more severe crashes,” said Secretary of Law Enforcement Stan Stabler.
Because this is also the time of year for high school graduations and the beginning of summer vacation, the ALEA hopes that parents will monitor children and teens to help prevent underage drinking.
Alabama State Troopers are participating in National Safe Boating Week and the “Click It or Ticket” initiative, which raises awareness about laws regarding seat belts. National Safe Boating Week runs May 21-27, and the Click It or Ticket Initiative runs May 23-June 5.
Because Alabama’s seat belt laws require that all front-seat occupants be restrained, they will also be making routine patrols and on the lookout for motorists who are not wearing seat belts.
ALEA also encourages citizens to pay attention to weather conditions, avoid texting or talking on the phone and slow down in construction zones while driving.
Boaters are urged to avoid boating while under the influence, and to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.
“We would like nothing more than to reduce the number of traffic and boating crashes, fatalities and injuries,” said Stabler.
The expanded traffic and boating initiative is made possible through grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Alabama Department of Transportation.