Montgomery, AL ALEA’s 12 Days of Safety’ Starts Thursday, December 22, and continues through the New Year.
Holiday safety is a topic that shines brightest between late November and mid-January when families gather, parties take place, and travel spikes. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), urges motorists on Alabama roads to slow down and plan ahead for any holiday activity or celebration to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
Hal Taylor, Secretary of ALEA, stated that “The days leading to Christmas and New Year’s Day can be a wonderful time to celebrate and happiness. This is truly a season you will cherish with your family and friends.” We all need to remember the dangers of traveling during busy times like this. We encourage motorists to take the safety tips in this safety message seriously, regardless of whether they are preparing their vehicle for long trips or changing weather conditions. This Agency is dedicated to saving lives and ensuring that everyone returns home safely.
The extended holiday travel period begins Saturday, December 24, at 12:01 AM and ends Sunday, January 1, 2023 at midnight. ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division Troopers will be conducting a variety enforcement activities during this period, including driver license check points and equipment checks to curb dangerous behaviors like driving under the influence, driving while distracted and not buckling up.
The Agency will launch the online campaign “12 Days of Safety”, which will run from Thursday, December 22, through January 2, 2023. ALEA will provide tips and information on various dangerous driving habits and the potential consequences during this year’s message strategy. The focus of this year’s message strategy will be on impaired driving and speeding. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that traffic accidents involving impaired drivers resulted in 937 deaths nationwide in December 2020. According to NHTSA data, speeding is still one of America’s most dangerous driving habits. It was responsible for 29 percent of fatal crashes in 2020.
Colonel Jimmy Helms, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety(DPS), stated that “Traveling above the posted speed limit and driving impaired continue be major contributing factors to crashes during holiday travel periods. ALEA reiterates the importance of obeying traffic laws and observing all speed limits. You must also remember that you have to be responsible when you ring in the new year. It is important that everyone participates in holiday festivities using a designated driver or ride-sharing service. ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division has a zero tolerance policy for impaired drivers during this holiday period.
