Montgomery, Alabama. Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, ALEA troopers were out in full force, publishing new enforcement statistics that highlight the stark disparity in safety between Alabama’s waterways and roadways.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported 314 traffic crashes between July 3 and July 6 that left 12 people dead and 155 injured. Dekalb, Mobile, Dale, Greene, Blount, Cleburne, Cullman, and Montgomery counties also saw crashes.
ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division, meanwhile, looked into seven boating incidents but found no boating fatalities. On July 5, however, one drowning in Chickasabogue Creek in Mobile County occurred that was unrelated to boating.
Enforcement on the water resulted in:
749 vessel pauses
223 citations were issued.
1,074 alerts were sent out.
Eight arrests for boating under the influence (BUI)
Common infractions included not using emergency cut-off switches, not having flotation gear, not registering vessels, and having inadequate lighting.
Additionally, troopers issued:
83 cautions for visitors without the required paperwork
77 warnings for violations of the proximity law
Five alerts regarding wake sport infractions at Smith Lake, Weiss Lake, Lake Martin, Lake Wedowee, and Shoal Creek
Enforcement on the roads included:
2,826 tickets for speeding
394 citations for seat belt use
19 arrests for DUI
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives over the holiday weekend,” stated ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. Each fatality serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of our mission. Through education, enforcement, and unwavering commitment to public safety on the roads and in the waterways, we at ALEA are determined to do everything in our power to avert such tragedies.
“While our Troopers are encouraged that there were no boating fatalities and that the majority of Alabamans celebrated responsibly,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, “12 lives lost on our roadways is 12 too many.” Protecting life, property, and the driving public is still ALEA’s primary goal. We encourage everyone to keep their attention on safety as we proceed through the rest of the summer travel season. Always be mindful of your surroundings, wear your seat belt, follow speed restrictions, and never operate a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated.
ALEA said that during the summer, it will keep up its high-profile operations and educational initiatives. To learn more, go to www.ALEA.gov.
