MONTGOMERY, AL — As the Memorial Day holiday travel period comes to a close, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is encouraging motorists and boaters to prioritize safety as the state enters the busy summer travel season through its annual 101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign.
During the extended Memorial Day travel period, which began Friday, May 22, and ended Monday, May 25, ALEA Troopers investigated five fatal incidents across Alabama. Four traffic fatalities occurred in Pickens, Colbert, Shelby and Elmore counties, while one boating fatality was reported on Lake Demopolis in Marengo County.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor expressed condolences to the families affected by the incidents and emphasized the importance of safe driving and boating practices throughout the summer months.
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by these tragic losses,” Taylor said. “Each fatality is a heartbreaking reminder that a single decision on the roadway or waterway can have life-altering consequences. As we begin the 101 Days of Summer, we urge everyone to make safety their top priority. Wear your seat belt, avoid distractions, never drive or boat under the influence, and remain vigilant behind the wheel and on the water. Working together, we can help prevent future tragedies and save lives.”
ALEA increased enforcement efforts during the Memorial Day travel period through additional patrols, driver license checkpoints and public awareness initiatives aimed at reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities.
According to ALEA, Highway Patrol Troopers reported the following enforcement activity during the holiday period:
- 14 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests
- 1,466 speeding citations
- 365 seat belt violation citations
- 42 child restraint violation citations
- 21 citations for following too closely
- 2,953 total citations issued
- 1,356 total warnings issued
Troopers assigned to ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division also remained active on Alabama waterways, reporting:
- 196 marine-related citations issued
- 604 warnings issued
- 4 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests
- 469 vessel stops
- 31 boater assists
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” due to increased travel, roadway traffic and recreational boating activity. ALEA’s 101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign is designed to address those risks through a combination of enforcement, education and public awareness efforts.
Throughout the summer, ALEA will continue focusing enforcement efforts on impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, seat belt compliance and boating safety.
The agency is encouraging both Alabama residents and visitors to remain alert, follow traffic and boating laws, and take personal responsibility for helping keep the state’s roadways and waterways safe during the summer travel season.
