MONTGOMERY-Labor Day weekend, summer’s season finale, typically draws heavier-than-usual traffic on Alabama’s roadways and waterways. Traffic/water safety is a priority throughout the year, but it’s especially important during extended holiday weekends, when so many want to enjoy one last seasonal road trip to the lake, beach or other warm-weather attraction.
During Labor Day weekend, which runs from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31 to midnight Monday, Sept. 3, Troopers in the Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol Divisions will step up patrol and enforcement efforts across the state to promote safety and work to prevent crashes, injuries and deaths. During the same period for Labor Day 2017 (from 12:01 a.m. Friday to midnight Monday), Troopers investigated three traffic fatalities and one drowning.
Enforcement efforts include participation in the national campaign Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Troopers and their law enforcement partners across the state will conduct sobriety checks and do everything they can to remove impaired individuals from behind the wheels of vehicles and boats (or other water vessels).
Grants administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will fund overtime for additional Troopers during this initiative.
Please assist us in saving lives by following these five safety tips, ALEA’s Five to Stay Alive:
- Avoid driving and/or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you plan on consuming alcohol pre-plan for a designated driver, call Uber or a cab. Designate a sober driver in advance to get you home safely.
- Simply obey the law.
Slow down and obey the speed limits. Focus on driving by putting aside cell phones and other items that may distract you.
- Buckle up – no matter how short your trip.
Ensure all of the vehicle’s occupants are buckled up (or using a child restraint system) and those on your boat are using or have access to personal flotation device (PFDs are required at all times for ages 8 and younger.)
- Avoid the water during inclement weather, particularly when it includes thunder and lightning.
- Be cautious when traveling through construction zones.
For the safety of the traveling public ALDOT will have no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from noon Friday, Aug. 31, to midnight Monday, Sept. 3.
Alabama State Troopers will be aggressively enforcing violations to ensure safe travels for all. Have a safe Labor Day!
Media Release/Lieutenant J.R. Ward II,Assistant Troop Commander Troop E/Alabama State Troopers
