Montgomery, AL – As the year draws to a close, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is gearing up for its annual “12 Days of Safety” Campaign, set to commence on Thursday, December 21, and continue through Monday, January 1, 2024. This festive initiative aims to engage citizens and foster a safer holiday season by sharing crucial safety tips and reminders.
Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized the significance of individual actions, stating, “Often, the smallest of actions cause a ripple effect and create an enormous impact. We need everyone to incorporate safety into their holiday plans and help share our message because you are truly the greatest gift you can give your family.”
The campaign will focus on various risky driving behaviors, with a particular emphasis on combating drunk and impaired driving. According to data from the Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS), impaired driving contributed to 5,005 crashes and claimed 260 lives in Alabama in 2022. In 2023, impaired driving has been a factor in 4,398 traffic crashes, resulting in 154 lives lost.
In addition to addressing impaired driving, ALEA encourages citizens to prepare their vehicles for holiday travel by checking essential components such as tires, antifreeze levels, oil, brakes, lights, and hazard lights. To enhance preparedness, an emergency kit containing items like a flashlight, emergency blanket, jumper cables, cell phone charger, and water is recommended.
Colonel Jon Archer, ALEA’s Director of Public Safety, urged everyone to prioritize safety on the roadways. “We ask everyone to remain courteous on the roadways and ring in the New Year with a pledge to make safety a top priority at all times of the year.”
The official holiday travel period will span nine days, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 24, and concluding at midnight on Monday, January 1. During this time, ALEA’s Troopers will conduct various enforcement activities, including driver license and equipment checkpoints, to address dangerous driving behaviors.
Secretary Taylor conveyed his best wishes, saying, “We wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas, as well as a safe and joyous New Year. Our Agency looks forward to a new year of protecting and serving the great state of Alabama.”
The “12 Days of Safety” campaign will cover a range of topics each day, including vehicle preparedness, seat-belt safety, distracted driving, drunk driving, rural road safety, pedestrian safety, speeding, Move Over law review, courteous driving, impaired driving, and drowsy driving after the holidays and late nights.
Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in the campaign by staying informed and sharing safety messages to contribute to a safer and more joyful holiday season on Alabama’s roadways.
