As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging all motorists to prioritize safety on the roadways and waterways. With a significant increase in travel expected, ALEA is ramping up efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens and visitors.
Earlier this week, the Agency kicked off National Safe Boating Week and continues to share crucial water safety tips ahead of the holiday season. As Memorial Day draws near, another focus will be ensuring safety on the state’s roadways as the Agency prepares to kick-off its annual ‘101 Days of Summer Safety’ campaign. Each year, the campaign begins with the Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day in September, all while highlighting a variety of safety messages and participating 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, watching for dangerous driving or boating behaviors. Troopers assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division will specifically conduct numerous driver license checkpoints across the state and will be vigilant in enforcing traffic laws, with particular emphasis 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 have 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 began May 22, and runs through June 2.
**Distracted Driving**: In Alabama, 1,844 crashes occurred as a result of distracted driving by use of a cell phone in 2020 and 1,972 crashes in 2019. Under current Alabama law, texting and driving in the state is illegal.
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 protect and serve the citizens and visitors of the State of Alabama, the Agency’s Aviation Unit will partner with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the third year in a row to conduct a Summer Rescue Swimmer Detail. ALEA will provide an aircraft and pilot to quickly fly and deploy rescue swimmers from both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Fire Departments to distressed swimmers. The aircraft will also be utilized to conduct beach safety flights, patrolling in those areas where lifeguards are not available.
“Planning ahead, understanding risks and implementing safety orientated 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. The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, but it also filled with 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,” said Sergeant Jeremy Burkett, Director of ALEA’s Admin Bureau.
Stay informed about road conditions and safety tips by following ALEA on social media and visiting our website at www.alea.gov.
**Remembering the Fallen**
As we enjoy the holiday weekend, 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.
