MONTGOMERY, AL — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is urging motorists and boaters to prioritize safety during the Labor Day holiday weekend as increased travel, recreational activities and the start of football season bring more people to Alabama’s highways and waterways.
ALEA Troopers and Special Agents will be working throughout the extended holiday weekend, with the agency’s Department of Public Safety increasing its presence through Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol operations across the state.
“Labor Day weekend brings together two traditions Alabamians love, enjoying the final days of summer and the excitement of football season,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “Wherever your plans take you, make sure getting home safely is part of them. Slow down, buckle up, put the phone away and never drive or operate a vessel impaired. We want everyone to enjoy the weekend but remember: the most important drive is the one that gets you home.”
ALEA is encouraging travelers to designate a sober driver when alcohol is involved, use seat belts and appropriate child restraints, avoid distracted driving and allow additional travel time because of increased traffic around football games and popular recreation areas.
The agency is also reminding motorcyclists, bicyclists and ATV riders to wear appropriate helmets and protective equipment.
For those spending the holiday on Alabama’s waterways, ALEA recommends wearing life jackets, checking vessels and required safety equipment before leaving the dock, monitoring weather conditions and ensuring boat and personal watercraft operators meet state age, licensing and supervision requirements.
“Labor Day is traditionally a busy travel weekend, and adding the excitement of football season means thousands of motorists will be sharing Alabama’s roadways while many families are also enjoying our waterways,” Department of Public Safety Director Col. Jonathan Archer said. “Our Troopers will be visible, but enforcement is only one piece of the safety equation. Every driver, passenger and boater has a role. Before you pull onto the highway, leave the dock or head home after the game, make the decision that gets everyone there safely.”
ALEA pointed to statistics from the 2025 Labor Day travel period as part of its safety message.
Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1, 2025, ALEA Troopers investigated 371 traffic crashes that resulted in 147 injuries and six fatalities across Alabama.
Three of those killed were riding a motorcycle, ATV or electric bicycle, according to ALEA. None of the three was wearing a helmet. Of the three people killed while occupying vehicles, one was properly restrained with a seat belt.
During the four-day period, Highway Patrol Troopers made 33 DUI arrests and issued 2,324 speeding citations and 473 citations for seat belt violations.
Marine Patrol Troopers investigated three boating incidents that resulted in four injuries, conducted 310 vessel inspections and made one arrest for boating under the influence. No boating fatalities or drownings were reported during the 2025 Labor Day period.
“Those numbers are more than statistics. They represent lives changed, families impacted and reminders of why individual choices matter,” Taylor said.
ALEA is asking motorists and boaters to make safety decisions before traveling, including arranging sober transportation, putting phones away, wearing appropriate safety equipment and following traffic and boating laws throughout the holiday weekend.
