Montgomery, AL – During an extended five-day enforcement period over the Fourth of July holiday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported nine traffic fatalities and three drownings. Notably, this marked the third consecutive year with zero boating-related fatalities on Alabama waterways.
The enforcement period began at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and concluded at midnight on Sunday, July 7. AAA had forecasted a record-breaking travel period, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Despite the increased travel, Wednesday, July 3, was the only day without a traffic fatality.
The traffic fatalities occurred across eight counties: Calhoun, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Cullman, Escambia, Jackson, Marshall, and Tuscaloosa. Among the victims were six drivers, one passenger, and two motorcyclists. Both motorcyclists were wearing helmets at the time of their crashes. However, only one of the seven people traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The drownings were reported at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County, Wheeler Lake in Morgan County, and Palmetto Creek in Baldwin County.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor expressed his condolences, stating, “Unfortunately, this holiday period ended in tragedy for 12 individuals and their loved ones, to whom we extend our deepest condolences. For law enforcement, this number is a stark reminder that our job is never done. While I commend all of our officers and the state’s first responders who worked tirelessly over the holiday away from their families, I also pledge to the public that our Agency will continue our mission of protecting and serving by conducting high-visibility enforcement details and providing educational opportunities to combat dangerous driving and boating habits and reduce such tragedies.”
Throughout the holiday period, ALEA Troopers undertook numerous enforcement activities, including driver license checkpoints and participation in national campaigns like Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Operation Dry Water. These efforts aimed to reduce crashes, deter speeding, and remove impaired drivers from Alabama’s roadways and waterways.
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division investigated 206 traffic crashes, made 48 DUI arrests, issued 2,429 citations for speeding, and issued 1,211 citations for seat belt and child restraint violations. The Marine Patrol Division investigated 14 boating incidents, made 14 BUI arrests, issued 206 Marine Safety citations, and provided 852 Marine Safety warnings. Additionally, they conducted 671 vessel inspections and patrolled 36 marine-related events, including numerous firework shows over the water.
Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, emphasized the ongoing commitment to safety, stating, “With the increase in summer activities and travel, it is imperative that safety remains a top priority for everyone. Please remember to wear your seat belts, put down your phone and other distractions, and never operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our Troopers will continue to work diligently to enforce traffic and boating laws to protect the lives of all Alabamians and its visitors.”
ALEA continues to promote safety through initiatives like the ‘101 Days of Summer Safety’ educational campaign and the Rescue Swimmer Detail on the Gulf Coast. Upcoming events include Rural Road Safety Awareness Week, beginning on July 15, and a joint safety initiative with Georgia, ‘Operation Southern Slow Down,’ focusing on speeding and reckless driving.
The ALEA Aviation Unit also contributed to the safety efforts, conducting 12 patrol flights, responding to four calls for service, and performing 10 practice deployments of Rescue Swimmers in collaboration with the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Fire Departments from July 4 through July 8.
As a reminder to beachgoers, despite Hurricane Beryl making landfall in Texas and downgrading to a Tropical Depression, the threat of strong rip currents along the Gulf of Mexico remains high, including in Alabama. Swimmers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about local surf and weather conditions. Those visiting Orange Beach and Gulf Shores can sign up for daily beach conditions and warning flag status updates by texting ALBEACHES to 888777.
