Through 2023 The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) observed a reduction in the number of fatalities that occur on Alabama’s roads.
Troopers from the ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division investigated crashes which resulted in 26 less lives being lost in 2023 in comparison to 2022. This is a positive trend that has been observed between the two years. 2022 also saw an increase of 19 deaths when compared to 2021.
“I want acknowledge the citizens for distributing our safety tips and for their help in making our roads more secure for all. But, even though we strive to cut down on the number of accidents and fatalities that occur on our roads however, our work at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is never finished. There are families who’s loved ones were not able to return to their homes safely during the time of year and grieve for the families of the victims of traffic accidents,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor stated. “Tragically the troopers continue to investigate traffic accidents that result in people who are unable to return home to their families and family.”
For the second year in a row, the Agency made use of the holiday season to raise awareness about traffic safety. It also presented various related issues during the ALEA’s 12 Days of Safety’ that began on Thursday, Dec. 21 through Monday, January. 1. The topics covered ranged from winterizing and preparing your vehicle prior to you take to the roads as well as security of seat belts and driving risky actions like impaired and drunk driving.
Sadly 19 lives were lost in the nine-day period of travel, two of them motorcyclists, and the other were pedestrians. Of the 16 travelling in vehicles with safety belts, only three had belts, however 12 of them were not buckled. (Troopers aren’t sure if the 16 person was buckled in.person used the seat belt.) The fatal crashes took place at Calhoun, Chambers, Cleburne, Houston, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox counties.
“However we are focused on all aspects of traffic safety 24 hours all year long,” Colonel Jon Archer Director of Alabama’s Department of Public Safety said. “Our objective is to create Alabama roads – and even waterways as secure as we can, and we constantly strive to reduce the risk of collisions or injuries, as well as deaths. Seat belts are the motorist’s first line of defense, greatly decreasing the chance of suffering injuries and deaths in the event of an accident. Motorists are advised to wear a seat belt while driving a motor vehicle.”
For 2023 ALEA Troopers investigated a total of 31,717 traffic accidents that resulted in 11070 injuries and 560 fatalities. Crashes decreased by 273, while the number of injuries increased by 156 in 2023 as compared to 2022’s totals.
Colonel Archer reiterated the importance of being courteous when driving at any season it is. “Please know that Alabama troopers who conduct traffic stops and apply Alabama’s laws are trying in order to prevent lives. The laws were created to protect all citizens and visitors to the state of Alabama and to reduce tragic deaths. 2023 is the second time that we have witnessed a total decrease in the number of deaths that occur on Alabama highways. We have already started implementing initiatives and plans to ensure the same trend will continue into 2024.”
The article ALFA: Police reveal an increase in traffic fatalities after the ’12 Days of Safety’ ends appeared at The Andalusia Star-News.
