Law enforcement officials will be out in force through the New Year’s Holiday Travel Period – which begins at 6:00pm today (Thursday) and will continue through midnight Sunday.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is increasing their enforcement numbers during the holiday to help protect lives and promote highway safety.

First and foremost – Don’t Drink and Drive.

Alcohol was a factor in at least three of the 19 trooper-investigated fatalities occurring over the 2014 holiday travel period; also bear in mind it’s important to buckle up each and every time you get behind the wheel.

Sixteen of those killed this last year, were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts, but nine of them were not using them; in addition, an infant who died was unrestrained.

State troopers will work additional shifts, thanks to funding being provided by the Alabama Department of Economic & Community Affairs. During these shifts troopers will be looking for impaired drivers, enforcing speed limits – and, ensuring that everyone is using seat belts or child restraints; they also will be available to assist motorists and they can be reached by dialing *HP (*47) on your cell phone.

Other safety tips for New Year’s include:

Planning ahead and designating a sober driver before the party or celebration begins;

If you’re impaired, call a taxi, get a sober friend or family member to pick you up, or simply stay where you are until you’re sober;

Take the keys from someone if you think he/she is too impaired to drive;

If you’re attending a large party or gathering where there are crowds travel with a group or in pairs; also make sure everyone has a “buddy”, who can confirm that they got home safely at the end of the night.