Montgomery, AL – As families across Alabama prepare for holiday travel, celebrations and the New Year, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is set to launch its annual “12 Days of Safety” campaign — a public-safety initiative designed to promote safe travel and responsible decision-making during one of the busiest times of the year.
The campaign begins Sunday, Dec. 21, and runs through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Each day highlights a specific safety theme, shared through ALEA’s social media channels using photos, videos and reminders intended to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities from the first day of winter through New Year’s Day.
“This time of year should be about making memories, not responding to tragedies that could have been prevented,” said ALEA Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor. “Our 12 Days of Safety campaign is meant to be engaging and lighthearted, but the message is serious — simple, smart decisions save lives. We want everyone to arrive safely and start the new year surrounded by the people they love.”
A Daily Countdown to Safety
Each day of the campaign focuses on a timely topic tied to common holiday activities:
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Day 1 – Dec. 21: Know Before You Go!
Encouraging drivers to check weather forecasts, road conditions and vehicle readiness as winter begins. -
Day 2 – Dec. 22: Merry and Bright — but Alert!
Reminders about visibility and awareness in busy parking lots, shopping areas and crosswalks.
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Day 3 – Dec. 23: Take It Easy on the Eggnog
Planning ahead for sober rides and avoiding impaired driving. -
Day 4 – Dec. 24: Don’t Be a Grinch Behind the Wheel
Promoting patience, courtesy and safe driving as holiday travel peaks. -
Day 5 – Dec. 25: Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Reinforcing the importance of seat belt use for every trip and every passenger. -
Day 6 – Dec. 26: Don’t Drive in a “Holidaze”
Addressing fatigue and the dangers of drowsy driving after long days and late nights. -
Day 7 – Dec. 27: No After-Holiday Deals Behind the Wheel
A reminder to avoid distracted driving during post-holiday errands and New Year’s travel. -
Day 8 – Dec. 28: Precious Cargo
Ensuring children are secured in age- and weight-appropriate car seats. -
Day 9 – Dec. 29: Finding the Right Seat for Safety
Booster seat reminders for children who have outgrown car seats but still need protection. -
Day 10 – Dec. 30: Give the Gift of Safety
Teen driver reminders, including Alabama’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law. -
Day 11 – Dec. 31: Some Accessories Don’t Go with Your Party Dress
Impaired-driving prevention and safe-celebration tips for New Year’s Eve. -
Day 12 – Jan. 1: Oh, Deer!
Increased caution on rural roads, particularly at night, due to heightened wildlife activity.
“ALEA Troopers see firsthand how quickly a moment of celebration can turn into a lifetime of loss,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. “Every reminder we share during this campaign is driven by one goal — zero lives lost. If these messages cause even one person to slow down, buckle up or make a safer choice, then this effort has made a real difference.”
Community Engagement and Enforcement
ALEA encourages the public to participate by sharing daily safety messages, engaging with interactive polls and quizzes, and posting photos using campaign hashtags such as #12DaysOfSafety and #ALEAProtects.
Alongside education efforts, ALEA will maintain a strong enforcement presence throughout the holiday period. All available ALEA Troopers will patrol roadways statewide from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, focusing on impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations. In the Montgomery area, ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Area Crime Suppression unit will continue targeted enforcement and proactive patrols.
As the holiday season and new year approach, ALEA reminds Alabamians that safety remains the most important gift — for drivers, passengers and everyone sharing the road.
