ALEA Releases 2024 Labor Day Weekend Traffic and Boating Safety Statistics

Montgomery, AL – Today, Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor announced the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) traffic and boating statistics for the 2024 Labor Day weekend. From 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 30, to midnight on Monday, September 2, ALEA’s Highway and Marine Patrol Divisions were actively involved in enforcement and safety operations across the state.

During the holiday period, ALEA Troopers investigated six traffic fatalities in Cleburne, Chilton, and Mobile counties. Notably, Saturday, August 31, was the only day without any traffic-related fatalities. The troopers also responded to 185 traffic crashes, which resulted in 101 injuries. In terms of enforcement, officers made 29 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests and issued a total of 1,688 speeding citations. Additionally, 227 citations were given for seat belt violations and 15 for reckless driving.

In the marine domain, Troopers from ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated one non-boating fatality, a drowning incident on Wheeler Lake on Sunday, September 1. There were no boating-related fatalities reported. However, a single boating incident on Lake Tuscaloosa resulted in two injuries. During the holiday weekend, the Marine Patrol conducted 366 vessel inspections, made six Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests, and issued 469 Marine Safety Warnings along with 105 Marine Safety Citations. They also provided patrols and assistance for six different events on the water.

The Labor Day weekend marked the conclusion of ALEA’s ‘101 Days of Summer Safety’ campaign. This initiative, which spans from Memorial Day to Labor Day, aims to reduce accidents and fatalities during what is known as the “100 deadliest days of summer.” The campaign focuses on raising awareness about risky driving behaviors and promoting safety measures. As of September 1, 2024, ALEA reported a decrease of 32 traffic fatalities compared to the same period in 2023.

Secretary Hal Taylor commented, “While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, there is still much work to be done. These tragic incidents highlight the importance of maintaining road and boating safety and underscore the need for continued vigilance and adherence to state laws throughout the year.”

Colonel Jonathan Archer, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director, added, “We offer our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones over the holiday weekend. At ALEA, we believe that one life lost is one too many. Our goal is to be proactive in reducing crashes and fatalities. As we move into the fall, with increased traffic from football games and other events, we urge everyone to commit to wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and driving sober.”

Additionally, ALEA completed a successful Rescue Swimmer Detail along the Gulf Coast. This initiative partners ALEA’s Aviation Unit with the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Over the Labor Day weekend, 12 patrol flights were conducted, and there was one call for service for a missing diver, who was located before the helicopter’s launch. The Unit also executed six training deployments with rescue swimmers.

The agency remains committed to enhancing public safety and thanks all residents for their cooperation and adherence to safety protocols.

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