Montgomery, AL – As Alabama prepares for a busy Thanksgiving travel season, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies statewide to ensure the safety of motorists on the road. With travel expected to increase as families head out to celebrate, ALEA is ramping up efforts to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities by conducting high-visibility enforcement operations from Saturday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Dec. 1.
ALEA Troopers will be performing a variety of safety measures, including driver license checkpoints and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) operations to monitor speeds. Specialized enforcement details will target high-crash areas along busy travel corridors, especially in places known for heavy holiday traffic. Local law enforcement agencies are partnering with ALEA to conduct driver license checkpoints, with a focus on improving safety during the Thanksgiving holiday.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized the importance of effective coordination among law enforcement agencies. “Effective coordination among law enforcement agencies is crucial for the safety of citizens and visitors across all of our communities,” said Taylor. “We work with our local partners throughout the year, every year, however, these efforts are especially important during high-traffic periods such as the Thanksgiving holiday. We are thankful for all local law enforcement agencies as our shared goal is to reduce tragedies and save lives.”
In addition to enforcement efforts, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer, reminded motorists of the importance of safety on the roads, particularly when it comes to wearing seat belts. “The Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of a cherished time of year. Tragically, many Alabama families experience loss due to preventable motor vehicle accidents caused by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts,” Archer said.
ALEA is urging all drivers and passengers to buckle up, emphasizing that seat belts are not only required by law but are also the best defense against injury or death in the event of a crash. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 326 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in traffic crashes during the 2022 Thanksgiving weekend, with 43% (141) of those fatalities occurring among unrestrained individuals. The statistics showed that unbuckled individuals were more likely to be killed in crashes, both during the day and at night.
“No matter how long or short your drive, it’s critical that drivers and passengers Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time,” said Colonel Archer. “We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car — and that includes children being in the correct car seats, too.”
ALEA also provided guidelines on how to properly buckle up for safety:
- The lap belt and shoulder belt should be secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of the body.
- The shoulder belt should be placed across the middle of the chest, away from the neck.
- The lap belt should rest across the hips, not the stomach.
- Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.
As Thanksgiving approaches, ALEA and local law enforcement agencies are reminding everyone that wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay safe on the road. Whether you are traveling across the state or just around the corner to visit family and friends, remember: Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.
For additional seasonal safety tips, visit ALEA’s official website at www.alea.gov.
