Alabama seeing fewer fatal wrecks this year, according to ALEA

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — This weekend marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, the time of year between Memorial Day and Labor Day that is considered the most dangerous time for teen drivers.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said so far for the year, the state is down 31 fatal crashes from 2023. ALEA says education has helped reduce the number of fatal wrecks and cause people to take these warnings more seriously.

ALEA said tailgating is a big culprit of many fatal wrecks seen across the state as people will follow too closely, not giving themselves enough time to react should the drivers around them have an emergency that causes them to swerve or slam on the brakes. State troopers said one wreck can cause a chain reaction with multi-car crashes, and as traffic grows, even more wrecks can occur in the buildup.

“We’ll be out there on the roadways with that increased presence, again not to try to ruin anybody’s holiday, but just to try to prevent that first crash and for us, that’s where we see the success. That’s where we see that change,” ALEA Sgt. Jeremy Burkett said. “If we can prevent that first crash, then we can prevent those crashes that often happen along with it.”

AAA says the 100 Deadliest Days target teens specifically because they’re out of school and traveling more. AAA says young drivers are typically the least experienced and taking the most risks.

“Best thing we can do is have people set a good example for their kids, not just when they become teenagers but all their lives. Because the parents are the role models for the teen drivers, whether they want to be or not,” AAA Alabama spokesman Clay Ingram said.

ALEA says troopers will be out in force along the major thoroughfares like I-65 as people travel this weekend for the Labor Day holiday.

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