As Alabamians gear up for the long Memorial Day weekend, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging the public to make safety a top priority — on the roads, on the water and everywhere in between.
Memorial Day weekend marks the official launch of ALEA’s annual “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign, an intensive summer-long initiative that runs through Labor Day and is aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
“Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave everything for our freedom, and the best way we can pay tribute is by protecting one another on the roads and waterways,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “As we launch our ‘101 Days of Summer Safety’ campaign, I urge everyone to travel safely, celebrate wisely and return home with lifelong memories. The upcoming summer months are filled with exciting times but also include moments that require individuals to make key and thoughtful decisions. One bad choice can have lasting consequences, but one smart decision can lead to positive behavior that will last a lifetime.”
High-Impact Enforcement and Education:
During the campaign, ALEA will focus on a wide range of safety topics including distracted and impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use, and boater safety. The Agency will also actively participate in nationwide high-visibility enforcement efforts such as Click It or Ticket and Operation Dry Water, which target unbuckled drivers and impaired boaters, respectively.
“Our goal is simple — we want everyone to enjoy their summer plans and return home safely,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Through education, enforcement, and rapid emergency response, we are working around the clock to protect Alabama’s residents and visitors.”
Eyes in the Sky and Lifesavers in the Gulf:
Unique to ALEA’s summer safety operations is its Rescue Swimmer Detail, a critical life-saving unit deployed during peak beach months. Utilizing the Agency’s aircraft to quickly insert highly trained rescue swimmers from the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, ALEA is prepared to respond to emergencies in Gulf waters, especially during strong rip current forecasts — a hidden danger that claims lives each year.
“Our Aviation Unit and local rescue swimmers are standing by, ready to launch at a moment’s notice,” said Captain Jeremy Burkett, Director of ALEA’s Administrative Bureau. “It’s one more way the ALEA Aviation Unit is going above and beyond to protect lives this summer. ALEA is fully committed to keeping Alabama visitors as well as citizens safe this Memorial Day weekend regardless of where they are.”
ALEA urges the public to stay informed by following the Agency’s official social media channels (@ALEAProtects) for safety tips, weather alerts and updates throughout the campaign, or visit www.alea.gov.
Memorial Day Safety Quick Tips for Motorists:
1. Buckle Up Every Ride, Every Time – Seat belts save lives. No excuses.
2. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over – Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
3. Don’t Speed into Summer – Obey posted limits and slow down in work zones.
4. Eyes on the Road, Not Your Phone – That text can wait. Distraction kills.
5. Rest Before You Roll – Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Memorial Day Safety Quick Tips for Boaters:
1. Life Jackets Save Lives – Wear it. Every ride. Every wave.
2. Don’t Drink and Boat – Alcohol and water are a deadly mix.
3. Check the Forecast Before You Float – Storms and rip currents don’t take holidays.
4. File a Float Plan – Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
5. Know Before You Go – Make sure your boat is equipped, and your crew is ready.
