ALEA Launches Holiday Traffic Safety Enforcement Initiative
Published 2:51 pm Monday, November 25, 2024
In anticipation of the busy Thanksgiving travel period, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has initiated a critical traffic enforcement campaign that commenced on Saturday and will extend through December 1.
ALEA is collaborating with various local law enforcement agencies across the state to enhance driver safety during this high-traffic season. Troopers are implementing high-visibility operations that include rigorous driver’s license checkpoints as well as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) assessments to monitor speed. Furthermore, specialized enforcement details will focus on regions with a high incidence of crashes, particularly in busy travel corridors, in partnership with local police departments.
“Effective coordination among law enforcement agencies is crucial for the safety of citizens and visitors across all of our communities. We work with our local partners throughout the year; however, these efforts are especially important during high-traffic periods such as the Thanksgiving holiday. We are thankful for all local law enforcement agencies, as our shared goal is to reduce tragedies and save lives,” stated ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.
ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer, emphasized, “The Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of a cherished time of year. Tragically, many Alabama families experience loss due to preventable motor vehicle accidents caused by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.”
In line with legal requirements, buckling up is the best defense against injury or death in a crash, Taylor urged. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022, spanning from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, to 5:59 a.m. on Monday, November 28, there were 326 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes nationwide, with a staggering 43% (141 fatalities) involving individuals who were not wearing seat belts. Disturbingly, not wearing a seat belt proved deadly at all times during the holiday weekend: 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes were unbuckled, and 38% of those killed in daytime crashes also failed to wear seat belts. These deaths are tragic losses that might have been avoided with the simple act of buckling up.
“No matter how long or short your drive is, it’s critical that all drivers and passengers Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Our aim is for everyone to enjoy a safe and joyful Thanksgiving. Please ensure that everyone in your vehicle is securely buckled before you start your journey — and remember to place children in the appropriate car seats as well,” Archer added.
Seat belts serve as a vital safeguard against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Properly buckling up during a collision significantly enhances your safety and security inside the vehicle.
Guidelines to buckle up safely:
- The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
- Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
- The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
- Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.
For more information about ALEA and additional seasonal safety tips, visit www.alea.gov.
How does ALEA plan to address the common risks associated with holiday travel, such as impaired driving and speeding?
**Interview with ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor on Holiday Traffic Safety Enforcement Initiative**
**Editor**: Welcome, Secretary Hal Taylor, and thank you for joining us today to discuss ALEA’s recently announced traffic safety enforcement initiative during the holiday season.
**Hal Taylor**: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share this important information as we approach a busy time for travelers.
**Editor**: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has launched this initiative in anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Can you briefly explain what this traffic enforcement campaign entails?
**Hal Taylor**: Certainly! Our initiative began on Saturday and will run through December 1. We are collaborating with local law enforcement agencies across Alabama to bolster driver safety during this peak travel period. Our efforts include high-visibility operations such as driver’s license checkpoints and using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology to monitor speeding. We’re particularly focusing on areas with higher crash rates to ensure the safety of our roads.
**Editor**: That sounds comprehensive. What are some of the specific risks that prompted ALEA to implement these measures for the Thanksgiving holiday?
**Hal Taylor**: The Thanksgiving holiday is a beloved time for families, but it also comes with increased risks. Unfortunately, many Alabama families suffer preventable losses due to motor vehicle accidents caused by impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing seat belts. Our goal is to bring awareness to these issues and encourage everyone to drive safely.
**Editor**: Colonel Jonathan Archer mentioned the importance of seat belts as a defense against injury or death in crashes. What message does ALEA wish to convey to drivers?
**Hal Taylor**: Absolutely, buckling up is critical. We want to remind everyone that wearing a seat belt is the best protection against serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes this, highlighting the need for everyone to be responsible and compliant with safety measures during their travels.
**Editor**: It sounds like a united effort is key here. Can you elaborate on how ALEA coordinates with local agencies, particularly during high-traffic periods?
**Hal Taylor**: Effective coordination among law enforcement is essential for ensuring safety for all citizens and visitors. We work closely with local partners year-round, but during high-traffic seasons like Thanksgiving, this collaboration becomes even more crucial. We are thankful for the commitment of these agencies, and together our shared goal is to reduce accidents and save lives.
**Editor**: Thank you, Secretary Taylor, for sharing this vital information. It’s clear that your dedication to enhancing road safety, especially during the holidays, is of utmost importance to the ALEA.
**Hal Taylor**: Thank you for highlighting this. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
**Editor**: And we remind our audience to drive safely. Thank you for tuning in.
