Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated a total of nine traffic deaths, and three drowning deaths – over the long, July 4th holiday period.
That period was defined by Alabama State Troopers – as being between 12:01 July 3rd, and midnight July 7th. ALEA’s statistics don’t include any fatalities worked by other law enforcement agencies in the state and also the period was the third consecutive year there were NO boating-related fatalities investigated by ALEA.
The traffic fatalities occurred in – Calhoun, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Cullman, Escambia, Jackson, Marshall and Tuscaloosa counties.
Of those killed – six were listed as drivers, one a passenger and two were motorcyclists. Both motorcyclists were using helmets at the time of their crashes, but only one person of the seven traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts was buckled up at the time of the crash.
Those three drownings occurred at Oak Mountain State Park – in Shelby County, Wheeler Lake in Morgan County, and Palmetto Creek in Baldwin County.
July 3rd was the only day during the period where no fatalities were reported, ALEA said.
State troopers investigated 206 traffic crashes, made 48 DUI arrests, issued 2,429 citations for speeding and issued 1,211 citations for seat belts and/or improper child restraints, the agency said.
Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated 14 boating incidents, made 14 BUI arrests, issued 206 Marine Safety citations and issued 852 Marine Safety Warnings. Troopers also conducted 671 vessel inspections and patrolled 36 marine related events across the state, many of which were firework shows over the water.
“I echo Secretary Taylor’s comments: our jobs are never done. With the increase in summer activities and travel, it is imperative that safety remains a top priority for everyone,” said Col. Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. Please remember to wear your seat belts, put down your phone and other distractions, and never operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our Troopers will continue to work diligently to enforce traffic and boating laws to protect the lives of all Alabamians and its visitors.”
The division is continuing its 101 Days of Summer Safety educational campaign and the Rescue Swimmer Detail on the Gulf Coast, Archer said.
On July 15th, the division will kick off its Rural Road Safety Awareness Week while conducting a joint safety initiative with its counterparts in Georgia for Southern Slow Down, which focuses on speeding and reckless driving.
ALEA’s Aviation Unit, with assistance from the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach fire departments, participated in the Rescue Swimmer Detail from July 4th through July 8th.
(Alabama Law Enforcement Agency/AL.COM)