From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — Another Fourth of July weekend has come and gone, but not without some sad news.
According to a report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), eight deaths were investigated during the holiday weekend. Troopers in the Marine Patrol Division investigated two drowning fatalities, while the Highway Patrol Division worked six traffic fatalities.
According to an ALEA news release, one drowning occurred on Lake Martin in Elmore County and the other on Logan Martin in Talladega County. Troopers also arrested six individuals for boating under the influence over the weekend.
“One death on Alabama waterways or roadways is one too many,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “The dangers of driving or boating under the influence pose a serious threat to motorists throughout the year. We continue to urge everyone to be safe while boating or driving, and to drive defensively. Expect the unexpected.”
On the roadways, five of the six Trooper-investigated fatalities involved individuals who were not utilizing their seat belts. The sixth individual was, according to the report, illegally operating an ATV on a public road.
The deadly crashes occurred in Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Mobile and Walker counties.
The Highway Patrol Division arrested 38 individuals for driving under the influence.