From Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY, Ala.–ALEA Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor released the traffic and boating statistics for the 2024 Labor Day travel period, during which ALEA’s Highway and Marine Patrol Divisions were actively engaged in enforcement and safety operations.
Between Friday and Monday, ALEA Troopers investigated six traffic fatalities which occurred in Cleburne, Chilton, and Mobile counties.
Troopers also investigated 185 traffic crashes that resulted in 101 injuries, made 29 DUI arrests, and issued 227 citations for seat belts, 1,688 citations for speeding, and 15 citations for reckless driving.
During the same time period, troopers investigated one drowning that occurred on Wheeler Lake on Sunday.
Troopers also investigated one boating incident that occurred on Lake Tuscaloosa that resulted in two injuries, conducted 366 vessel inspections, made six boating under the influence arrests, and issued 469 marine safety warnings and 105 marine safety citations.
Monday also marked the end of the agency’s “101 Days of Summer Safety.”
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the summer months are oftentimes referred to as the “100 deadliest days of summer,” as many families travel and young teens hit the road for the first time.
In an effort to combat the 100 deadliest days of summer and reduce tragedies in the state, ALEA launched the “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign to spread awareness on the dangers of risky driving behaviors and encourage safety talks with teens and loved ones.
As of Sept. 1, ALEA has experienced 32 fewer traffic fatalities compared to the same time in 2023.
Secretary Taylor said, “While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, there is still much work to be done. These tragic incidents underline the importance of road safety, as well boating safety, and the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to the state’s laws throughout the entire year.”
ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director Col. Jonathan Archer added, “We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the families who lost a loved one over the holiday weekend. At ALEA, we often say one life is one too many. As law enforcement officers, we are sworn to protect and serve and that includes doing our best to be proactive and reduce crashes and fatalities. As we move towards fall, football and other seasonal festivities that may cause for heavier traffic on the state’s roadways, please help us prevent unnecessary tragedies by committing to wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions, and always drive sober.”
