Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) recently revealed a gratifying decrease in the number of fatalities caused by traffic on state roads and indicating the positive trend that continued through 2023. Troopers from the ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division scrutinized crashes that resulted in a reduction of 26 deaths compared to 2022. The results follow an identical decrease in 19 deaths between 2021 and 2022.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for the people of America who are distributing the safety tips we provide and for their help in making our roads more secure for all,” expressed ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, acknowledging the group effort that played an important contribution to improving road safety. He also emphasized the agency’s commitment to safety is unshakeable with continuous efforts to decrease fatalities and crashes.
“While we constantly strive to decrease the number of accidents and deaths that occur on our roads Our job at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is never finished,” remarked Secretary Taylor. “Tragically the troopers continue to investigate crashes that cause people to not returning home to their families and family.”
To emphasize the importance of the safety of our citizens, ALEA conducted its ’12 Days of Safety’ program during the Christmas season that ran from December 21 through January 1. The program covered a range of important topics, ranging including winterizing vehicles and getting ready for travel, to stressing the importance of seat belts and dealing with unsafe driving behavior such as impaired or drowsy driving.
“However we concentrate on all aspects of safety on the road 365 days every day of the year,” emphasized Colonel Jon Archer Director of the Alabama’s Department of Public Safety. “Our objective is to ensure that Alabama roadways and waterways – as secure as is possible. We constantly strive to reduce accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.”
Despite the overall positive outlook 19 people were killed in the official nine-day period of travel. The analysis revealed that, out of the 16 people who traveled in vehicles that had seat belts there were only three wearing seat belts, highlighting the importance of properly restraint. The fatal crashes occurred in a variety of counties which included Calhoun, Chambers, Cleburne, Houston, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, and Wilcox.
“Please be aware that Alabama troopers who conduct traffic stops and apply Alabama’s laws are trying to protect lives” said Colonel Archer. “Those laws are meant to safeguard every citizen and visitor to the state of Alabama and help minimize the number of fatal accidents.”
The year 2023 was the most awaited. ALEA Troopers investigated 31,717 traffic crashes that resulted in 11,070 injured, which included five60 deaths. Although crashes declined by 273, the number of injuries climbed by 156 when compared to the prior year. Colonel Archer stressed the importance of maintaining a calm attitude on roads during the entire year. She reminded drivers that ALEA troopers aim to save lives by enforcing and respect for traffic laws. Initiatives and plans are in place to ensure that the trend is maintained in 2024.
