Montgomery, AL – With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is calling on all motorists and waterway users to prioritize safety. As a significant increase in travel is expected, ALEA is intensifying efforts to ensure the well-being of all citizens and visitors.
In conjunction with the start of National Safe Boating Week earlier this week, ALEA has been disseminating vital water safety tips. Additionally, as Memorial Day nears, ALEA is gearing up for its annual ‘101 Days of Summer Safety’ campaign, which runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day in September. This campaign focuses on various safety messages and includes participation in community events.
“Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and we anticipate a high volume of traffic as families and friends take to the highways to travel and enjoy time with their loved ones,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “This weekend is a time for remembrance and celebration, but it is also a time to prioritize safety. We urge everyone to drive responsibly, stay alert, and make safe choices on both the roadways and waterways. Your actions and smart decisions could not only save your life, but also the lives of those around you.”
All available ALEA Troopers will be patrolling the highways and waterways, monitoring for dangerous driving or boating behaviors. Troopers from ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division will conduct numerous driver license checkpoints across the state and will strictly enforce traffic laws, focusing particularly on:
– Speeding: Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents. Troopers will be monitoring for excessive speeds and will take appropriate enforcement actions.
– Impaired Driving: ALEA will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
– Seat Belt Use: Seat belts save lives. Troopers will enforce seat belt laws and ensure all vehicle occupants are buckled up. Alabama law requires all occupants in a motor vehicle to use seat belts. The National Click It or Ticket campaign, which began on May 22, runs through June 2.
– Distracted Driving: In Alabama, distracted driving, particularly due to cell phone use, led to 1,844 crashes in 2020 and 1,972 crashes in 2019. Texting and driving are illegal under current Alabama law.
ALEA also encourages community involvement in promoting road safety. “We urge everyone to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others on the road,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). “If you see dangerous driving behaviors, report them to law enforcement. We absolutely need the public’s assistance to reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and ultimately save lives this Memorial Day holiday weekend.”
To further ensure the safety of citizens and visitors, ALEA’s Aviation Unit will partner with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the third consecutive year to conduct a Summer Rescue Swimmer Detail. ALEA will provide an aircraft and pilot to quickly deploy rescue swimmers from both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Fire Departments to assist distressed swimmers. The aircraft will also conduct beach safety patrols in areas without lifeguards.
“Planning ahead, understanding risks, and implementing safety-oriented control measures are essential when enjoying any of Alabama’s beautiful waterways. However, this is especially true when spending your Memorial Day weekend on the state’s white sandy beaches,” said Sergeant Jeremy Burkett, Director of ALEA’s Admin Bureau. “The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, but it also has a variety of hazards such as sea life and rip currents. Rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by beach lifeguards. This is exactly why the pilots within our Aviation Unit are fully committed to working with local lifeguards and rescue swimmers to assist those in need.”
Stay informed about road conditions and safety tips by following ALEA on social media and visiting their website at www.alea.gov.
As the holiday weekend unfolds, ALEA also reminds everyone to take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
