The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is serving up several safety tips aimed at keeping travelers on Alabama’s roadways safe during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“There is nothing better than making memories with family and friends during this extended holiday weekend, even if it means driving for hours and traveling long distances,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We encourage everyone to make sure your vehicle is travel ready, leave early to allow for heavy traffic, buckle up, and never drive impaired.
“Your welfare and the safety of others this season starts with an individual commitment to responsible actions.”
This year’s holiday travel period begins 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and ends midnight Sunday.
Col. Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, implored travelers to practice caution while driving .
“As law enforcement officers, ALEA Troopers face a multitude of challenges as part of their job but notifying the loved ones of those killed in traffic crashes is truly one of the most dreaded responsibilities they have,” he said. “We ask those traveling on Alabama roadways to make traffic safety a top priority and remember that you are the best gift you can give your family this holiday season.”
ALEA is offering the following trips to stay safe while traveling:
- Take breaks and rotate drivers during long trips
- Use seatbelts and proper child restraints
- Remember Alabama’s Move Over Law
- Keep the left lane for passing only
- Eliminate distractions such as cell phones when driving
- Never drink and drive
AAA predicts more than 49 million Americans will be driving during the upcoming holiday.
According to data compiled by the Center for Advanced Public Safety in Alabama, 65 people died in traffic-related incidents during extended Thanksgiving travel periods from 2018-22.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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