MONTGOMERY – 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.
Media Release/Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
