The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) encourages parents with teenage children to prioritize safety this spring.

This advice is being promoted as part of the second annual Think Smart Before You Start campaign, which is meant to curb traffic accidents during the prom, spring break and graduation seasons.

According to ALEA, end-of-the-school-year events and warm weather mean heavy traffic around the state. This is also a time when teenagers are often allowed to travel without supervision for the first time.

ALEA said its troopers will focus on enforcing common traffic infractions through the end of May. These violations include speeding, following too closely, driving under the influence, not wearing seatbelts and making improper lane changes.

“We certainly encourage everyone to think smart before you start and fully understand that the choices and decisions you make while behind the wheel can affect your life as well as the lives of others,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “There is never a right time to do the wrong thing. Everyone must obey and follow all laws when operating motor vehicles on Alabama’s roadways.”

ALEA has also participated in multiple prom promise events across the state to stress the necessity of making good choices. Taylor said he wants to remind parents to be mindful of hazards related to prom and similar events for teens.

Safety tips

ALEA emphasized seven safety tips for parents to follow to prevent accidents on the road.

These include reviewing vehicle safety with your teenager, buckling up, resisting the urge to text and drive, abiding by traffic laws, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, emphasizing the consequences of poor decisions and monitoring teens when alcohol is around.

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