Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has wrapped up its “Back to School, Back to Safety” enforcement initiative, a campaign designed to protect students, educators, and communities as schools reopened across the state.
Led by ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, the campaign targeted unsafe driving behaviors in and around school zones. Over the course of the enforcement period, ALEA Troopers conducted 741 traffic stops, which resulted in 575 citations and 350 warnings. Speeding was the most common violation, with 330 citations and 277 warnings issued to drivers exceeding posted speed limits in or near school zones.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor commended Troopers for their work, noting that their increased visibility and enforcement helped influence driver behavior. “Their efforts undeniably influenced driver behavior and reinforced the importance of slowing down where it matters most,” Taylor said.
Excessive speed in school zones remains a significant safety concern. According to ALEA, even minor increases in speed can reduce a driver’s ability to react, putting children, crossing guards, and staff at risk.
Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, emphasized the need for vigilance. “School zones are filled with children crossing streets, buses loading and unloading, and staff assisting students. One careless decision behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences,” Archer said. “We ask every citizen to make this a priority—slow down and safeguard the future of our children and educators.”
ALEA continues to encourage motorists to follow posted speed limits and eliminate distractions in school zones. Officials say the community’s collective efforts are critical to maintaining safe environments as the new academic year gets underway.
