From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — This year, as national travel forecasts reflected pre-pandemic numbers, Troopers within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division investigated a total of seven traffic-related fatalities as compared to eight in 2020 and 11 during the same busy travel period in 2019 on Alabama’s roadways.
The 2021 official Thanksgiving Holiday travel period began at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24, and ended at midnight Sunday, November 28. The fatal crashes occurred in Mobile, Marengo, Chilton, Shelby, Escambia, Dekalb, and Lawrence counties. Of the seven fatalities, one included an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) from which the driver was ejected after the ATV left the roadway in Chilton County. Two other individuals were in vehicles equipped with seat belts, but they were not using them at the time of the crash.
“As many citizens continue to travel and celebrate this holiday season with family and friends, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will continue its mission of sharing public safety practices and engaging in educational opportunities throughout the state,” Taylor said. “We truly appreciate the assistance and support we receive from citizens, as well as our local and state partners, who work diligently with us to ensure our roadways are safe for everyone.”