MONTGOMERY – During the 2022 four-day Labor Day Weekend, Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) investigated 10 traffic-related fatalities and experienced zero marine-related fatalities on Alabama’s waterways.
This year’s Labor Day weekend travel period began at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, and ended at midnight Monday, Sept. 5. During that time, there were eight deadly traffic crashes in Autauga, Baldwin, Chambers, Dallas, DeKalb, Greene, Talladega and Tuscaloosa counties, resulting in the 10 fatalities (seven drivers and three passengers). All of the individuals killed were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts at the time of the crashes, but five of them were not using seat belts; seat-belt usage is unknown for a sixth person.
Throughout the four-day period, Troopers within the Agency’s Marine Patrol Division investigated two boating crashes with zero injuries and drownings reported.
“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the three major summer holidays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day are ranked at the top of the deadliest holidays,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “This grueling statistic is one of the main reasons the Agency developed a season-long safety campaign that spanned over the 101 day, popular but congested travel period. It is with great sadness we share the tragic news concerning the 10 lives lost on Alabama roadways this holiday travel period. However, our commitment to keep the citizens and visitors of our state safe is unwavering. We have already launched another initiative where ALEA Troopers will be conducting high-visibility enforcement details while simultaneously sharing key safety messages ensuring everyone is well-informed as we head into the fall season.”
In addition to high-visibility enforcement details and online safety campaigns, ALEA’s Aviation Unit partnered once more with first responders in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to promote safety along the state’s gulf coast. During the Labor Day Rescue Swimmer Detail, Aviation conducted 14 beach patrol flights and responded to three calls for service to assist ground crews.
“Taking safety measures a step further this summer and working with our local partners along Alabama’s scenic beaches has proven successful. By collaborating during some of the area’s busiest weekends of the year, swimmers were rescued, and lives were saved,” he said.
To view seasonal safety tips, visit www.alea.gov.
