From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) announced 10 people died on Alabama roadways during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Photo: Trooper Daniel Money.
From Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5, there were 10 roadway fatalities, and no boating or non-boating water fatalities (drownings).
Of the 10 people killed, five of them were not wearing seat belts. The deadly crashes occurred in Lawrence, Talladega, Winston, Marengo, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Chilton and Clarke counties.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said there is a positive side to the number of deaths over the weekend.
“Anytime a law enforcement agency can report zero boating and non-boating fatalities during two major holiday weekends, it is considered a tremendous safety accomplishment for both citizens as well as law enforcement officers. This is certainly a trend the agency will strive to continue throughout the summer months as more citizens enjoy outdoor activities,” Taylor said. “Unfortunately, we must report 10 lives tragically lost over the course of the holiday weekend on the state’s roadways.”
ALEA Troopers also participated in national campaigns and regional safety initiatives such as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Operation Dry Water and 10-8 on 10, in an intensified effort to reduce crashes, deter speeding and remove impaired drivers from Alabama’s roadways and waterways. Troopers in ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division reported 10 BUI arrests and Troopers in ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division reported 81 DUI arrests.
