The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is launching its annual "12 days of safety" campaign this Thursday, which will run until January 1. The aim of this operation is to educate and provide drivers with safety information throughout the holiday season.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, "Often, the smallest of actions cause a ripple effect and create an enormous impact."
"We need everyone to incorporate safety into their holiday plans and help share our message because you are truly the greatest gift you can give your family. All our enforcement details, driving license checks, safety campaigns and daily operations are in an effort to protect and safeguard the citizens of Alabama and keep everyone returning home to their loved ones. We ask you to join the Agency's efforts and give the gift of safety this holiday season." Taylor said.
The agency especially wanted to warn drivers of the risk of driving under the influence.
According to data compiled by the Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS), 5,005 crashes occurred in 2022 because of impaired driving, and resulting in 260 lives lost in the state of Alabama. So far, in 2023, impaired driving has been a contributing factor in 4,398 traffic crashes, resulting in 154 lives lost.
ALEA wanted to remind drivers to be courteous on the road and ring In the New Year while making safety a top priority.
ALEA Colonel Jon Archer said, "Tragically, there were 15 lives lost during the recent extended Thanksgiving travel period. If you are stopped by an ALEA Trooper this holiday season, please understand they are attempting to save lives by enforcing the state's laws. Those laws are set in place to protect each citizen and visitor of this great state and reduce fatal tragedies. Seat belts and proper child restraints have been proven to save lives; speeding and distracted driving remain top contributing factors to traffic crashes; and, finally, as always, there will be a zero tolerance for driving while impaired."
The official holiday travel period will span nine days from midnight on Christmas Eve and end on New Year's Monday. During this time, ALEA says travelers can expect an uptick in checkpoints.
ALEA's 12 Days of Safety Topics are:
Thursday, December 21 – Know before you go and vehicle preparedness
Friday, December 22 – Seat-belt safety and GDL law review
Saturday, December 23 – Distracted driving and following too closely
Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) – Drunk driving
Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day) – Rural road and short trip safety reminders
Tuesday, December 26 – Pedestrian safety
Wednesday, December 27 – Speeding
Thursday, December 28 – Move Over law review and CMV safety
Friday, December 29 – Courteous driving
Saturday, December 30 – Impaired driving
Sunday, December 31 (New Year's Eve) – Drunk driving
Monday, January 1 (New Year's Day) – Drowsy driving after the holidays/late nights
Taylor added, "We wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas, as well as a safe and joyous New Year. Our Agency looks forward to a new year of protecting and serving the great state of Alabama."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com.
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