The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is set to begin its annual “12 Days of Safety” campaign, aimed at providing drivers with important safety tips and educating them on the consequences of breaking the law on Alabama roadways.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said small actions and decisions while driving can have major repercussions.
“Often, the smallest of actions cause a ripple effect and create an enormous impact. We need everyone to incorporate safety into their holiday plans and help share our message because you are truly the greatest gift you can give your family,” Sec. Taylor said.
“All our enforcement details, driving license checks, safety campaigns and daily operations are in an effort to protect and safeguard the citizens of Alabama and keep everyone returning home to their loved ones. We ask you to join the Agency’s efforts and give the gift of safety this holiday season.”
“We wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas, as well as a safe and joyous New Year. Our Agency looks forward to a new year of protecting and serving the great state of Alabama.”
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Colonel Jon Archer, ALEA’s Director of Public Safety, asked that drivers prioritize safety not only during the holiday season but throughout the year.
“We ask everyone to remain courteous on the roadways, and ring in the New Year with a pledge to make safety a top priority at all times of the year,” said Archer. “Tragically, there were 15 lives lost during the recent extended Thanksgiving travel period. If you are stopped by an ALEA Trooper this holiday season, please understand they are attempting to save lives by enforcing the state’s laws. Those laws are set in place to protect each citizen and visitor of this great state and reduce fatal tragedies.”
Archer also made clear that driving while impaired will have consequences.
“Seat belts and proper child restraints have been proven to save lives; speeding and distracted driving remain top contributing factors to traffic crashes; and, finally, as always, there will be a zero tolerance for driving while impaired.”
ALEA’s 12 Days of Safety Topics:
1. Dec. 21 – Know before you go and vehicle preparedness
2. Dec. 22 – Seat-belt safety and GDL law review
3. Dec. 23 – Distracted driving and following too closely
4. Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) – Drunk driving
5. Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – Rural road and short trip safety reminders
6. Dec. 26 – Pedestrian safety
7. Dec. 27 – Speeding
8. Dec. 28 – Move Over law review and CMV safety
9. Dec. 29 – Courteous driving
10. Dec. 30 – Impaired driving
11. Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) – Drunk driving
12. Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) – Drowsy driving after the holidays/late nights
According to data from the Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS), 5,005 crashes occurred in 2022 because of impaired driving, resulting in 260 deaths in Alabama. So far in 2023, impaired driving has been a contributing factor in 4,398 traffic crashes, resulting in 154 lives lost.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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