According to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Trooper, four traffic deaths were investigated along with three drownings during this past Memorial Day weekend travel period, which began at 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 27, and ended at midnight Monday, May 30.
During the extended holiday, three drivers and one motorcyclist were killed in traffic crashes on Alabama roadways. Although two were not using seat belts at the time of their crashes, one person was buckled up, and the motorcyclist was using a helmet. The fatal crashes occurred in Dallas, Shelby, St. Clair and Tuscaloosa counties.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “Notifying the next of kin following a fatal crash or drowning is a responsibility Troopers dread most, particularly during a fun-filled holiday weekend. We cannot stress enough the importance of simply buckling up and practicing good driving and boating behaviors.”
Troopers within ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated three drownings and experienced zero boating fatalities on Alabama waterways during the same holiday period.
As in years past, Troopers within Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol Divisions spent the weekend patrolling, but this year, ALEA took safety a step further and partnered its Aviation Unit with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Fire Departments to assist with a Summer Rescue Swimmer detail throughout Memorial Day weekend, utilizing the aircraft to conduct beach safety flights and patrolling areas where lifeguards were not available. ALEA Aviation received and responded to seven calls for service in which rescue swimmers were deployed from the aircraft a total of three times. During the three deployments, a total of 16 distressed swimmers were rescued.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnership with our local first responders who coordinated this specific detail, along with our Aviation Unit to prevent the loss of life on Alabama’s scenic beaches,” said Secretary Taylor. “The success of this rapid response detail is a true testament to the dedication of all first responders involved over the holiday weekend who worked diligently together for the common cause of saving lives in our great state.”