Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has concluded its Thanksgiving holiday enforcement initiative, which spanned from Saturday, November 23, to Sunday, December 1. The nine-day period, one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, highlighted the critical need for road safety measures.
ALEA Troopers investigated 473 traffic crashes during the enforcement period, resulting in 21 fatalities. Among those killed, 19 were vehicle occupants, but 10 were not wearing seat belts. Additionally, one pedestrian and a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) were among the victims. The crashes occurred across 17 counties, including Baldwin, Cherokee, Clay, Colbert, and Tuscaloosa.
Troopers also issued 5,264 citations, 2,730 warnings, and made 60 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Key contributing factors to the fatal incidents included speeding, impaired driving, and lack of seat belt use.
“The loss of 21 lives during what is meant to be a joyous holiday season is devastating,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor stated. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Each number represents a loved one whose absence will be deeply felt this Christmas and New Year.”
ALEA emphasized the importance of vigilance and safe driving practices, particularly as the holiday season continues. “We encourage everyone to prioritize safety by not driving under the influence, obeying speed limits, and ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety.
Looking ahead, ALEA is launching its annual 12 Days of Safety campaign, beginning Saturday, December 21, and running through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025. The campaign promotes traffic safety awareness, urging drivers to adhere to traffic laws and share safety messages with loved ones to reduce accidents and save lives.
ALEA remains committed to enforcing road safety laws and raising awareness to prevent tragedies on Alabama’s highways. For more information about the 12 Days of Safety campaign and traffic safety tips, visit the ALEA website at www.alea.gov.
