MONTGOMERY – As Alabamians across the state prepare to celebrate Labor Day weekend
and cheer on their favorite teams during the first big weekend of college football, the Alabama
Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds everyone to “Score Big with Safety” — both on the
road and on the water.
Troopers assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol Divisions will be actively
patrolling and participating in high-visibility details to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all
motorists and boaters. This includes enhanced patrols on Alabama’s roadways and waterways to
deter dangerous driving and boating behaviors. ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division has already
kicked off the Labor Day travel period by conducting Driver License checkpoints and Light
Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) operations, which will continue through Monday, Sept. 1.
“Labor Day is traditionally one of the busiest weekends on our roads and waterways, and with
the beginning of football season, excitement will be at an all-time high,” ALEA Secretary Hal
Taylor said. “We want everyone to start the season with a win by making smart choices. Please
buckle up, drive sober and stay alert so you can enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly.”
Roadway Safety Tips:
• Celebrate the Win, Not a DUI Loss: If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages,
make a winning play and plan for a safe ride before kickoff.
• Be the Most Valuable Passenger and Buckle Up: Seat belts save lives — so make sure
everyone in the vehicle is buckled up, no matter how long or short the drive.
• Don’t Get a Personal Foul — Put the Phone Down: Sending or reading a text takes
your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire
football field with your eyes closed.
• No Tailgating on the Road: Keep the tailgating fun at the stadium, not on the highway.
Allow extra time for heavy traffic and avoid aggressive driving.
Waterway Safety Tips:
• Stay in Bounds: Know the rules of the water before you launch and know the No-Wake
zones.
• Wear Your Personal Flotation Device (PFD): It’s your best defense against an
unexpected tackle from rough waters.
• Boat Sober: Just like on the road, alcohol and boating don’t mix.
• Keep Your Head in the Game and Pay Attention: Watch for other vessels,
paddleboarders, swimmers, and changing weather conditions. “Pop-up” thunderstorms
are common in Alabama during the summer months due to the intense heat and humidity.
To enhance safety in Alabama’s coastal areas, ALEA will also deploy its helicopter for the
annual Rescue Swimmer Detail, a life-saving operation in coordination with Gulf Shores and
Orange Beach Fire Departments. ALEA’s aircraft will patrol the Gulf Coast, flying and
deploying rescue swimmers to distressed individuals in the water. These highly trained rescue
swimmers will be ready to respond to emergencies, ensuring everyone stays safe while enjoying
Alabama’s beaches. The aircraft will also monitor areas not covered by lifeguards.
“Our mission is to keep every individual safe, whether you’re traveling to a tailgate, cruising on
a boat or enjoying the beach,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of
Public Safety (DPS). “We urge everyone to play it safe this weekend by making smart decisions
and following the rules, so the holiday ends with great memories — not tragedy.”
For traffic updates and more safety tips, follow ALEA on social media @ALEAProtects.
Together, we can make this Labor Day weekend one to celebrate safely and responsibly.
Media Release/Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey/Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
