From the Trussville Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wants everybody to have a great holiday. Labor Day weekend is a time when Alabama’s roads and waterways experience heavier-than-usual traffic. That is why traffic/water safety, while always a priority, is especially important during the extended holiday weekend.
During Labor Day weekend, which runs from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31 to midnight Monday, Sept. 3, Troopers in the Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol Divisions will increase patrols and enforcement efforts across the state to promote safety and to prevent crashes, injuries and deaths.
Enforcement efforts will include participation in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, and troopers will partner with local law enforcement to conduct sobriety checks for vehicles, boats, and other water vessels.
Grants administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will fund overtime for additional Troopers during this initiative.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency would live everybody to be aware of the ALEA’s Five to Stay Alive:
- Avoid driving and/or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you plan on consuming alcohol pre-plan for a designated driver, call Uber or a cab. Designate a sober driver in advance to get you home safely.
- Simply obey the law. Slow down and obey the speed limits. Focus on driving by putting aside cell phones and other items that may distract you.
- Buckle up – no matter how short your trip. Ensure all of the vehicle’s occupants are buckled up (or using a child restraint system) and to use on your boat are using or have access to personal flotation device (PFDs are required at all times for ages 8 and younger)
- Avoid the water during inclement weather, particularly when it includes thunder and lightning.
- Be cautious when traveling through construction zones. For the safety of the traveling public ALDOT will have no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates form noon Friday, August 31, to midnight Monday, September 3.