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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has concluded its Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period, which took place from Saturday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Dec. 1. This critical initiative aimed to ensure the safety of all citizens during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

During this nine-day period, ALEA Troopers investigated 473 traffic crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities. Nineteen individuals were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts; however, 10 individuals did not use them. One of the individuals killed was a pedestrian and another was a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

The deadly crashes occurred in Baldwin, Cherokee, Clay, Colbert, Coosa, DeKalb, Elmore, Fayette, Geneva, Lee, Madison, Marion, Mobile, Perry, Pike, Tuscaloosa and Washington counties.

Additionally, ALEA Troopers issued 5,264 citations and 2,730 warnings, along with making 60 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests. The top contributing factors in these tragic events include speeding, driving impaired and the absence of seat belt usage.

“The loss of 21 lives during what is meant to be a joyous holiday season is devastating,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Each number represents a loved one whose absence will be felt deeply this Christmas and New Year. As we transition into yet another highly traveled period, please remember that the messages surrounding traffic safety are critical and awareness can help us save lives.”

With the holidays fast approaching, ALEA urges all drivers to remain vigilant and practice safe driving behaviors. The potential for increased intoxication and traffic congestion heightens the risk of accidents during this festive time.

“We encourage everyone to prioritize safety by not driving under the influence, obeying speed limits, and ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up,” said ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer. “Creating a safe environment on our roads is a responsibility we all share. Let us honor those we’ve lost this season by committing to safer driving practices moving forward.”

As we prepare to celebrate with family and friends once again, ALEA invites everyone to join in the annual ‘12 Days of Safety’ Campaign by making a commitment to abide by traffic laws and share safety messages with loved ones ahead of the holidays. We can all play a part in reducing fatalities and ensuring the safety of our roads.

ALEA remains dedicated to promoting vehicle safety awareness and will continue to enforce laws designed to protect lives on Alabama’s highways. The Agency’s ‘12 Days of Safety’ campaign will launch on Saturday, Dec. 21, and run through the New Year on Jan. 1, 2025.

For further information on traffic safety tips and the upcoming campaign, please visit the ALEA website at www.alea.gov.