MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has begun its yearly effort to make the state’s roads safer through the Thanksgiving holiday.
As part of the effort, state troopers are conducting “high-visibility enforcement details” through Sunday, including driver license checkpoints and Light Detection and Ranging operations in high-crash areas along busy corridors.
“Effective coordination among law enforcement agencies is crucial for the safety of citizens and visitors across all of our communities,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We work with our local partners throughout the year, every year, however, these efforts are especially important during high-traffic periods such as the Thanksgiving holiday.
“We are thankful for all local law enforcement agencies as our shared goal is to reduce tragedies and save lives.”
The agency’s Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to wear a seat belt at all times when traveling.
“The Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of a cherished time of year,” said Col. Jonathan Archer, director of the DPS. “Tragically, many Alabama families experience loss due to preventable motor vehicle accidents caused by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.
“No matter how long or short your drive, it’s critical that drivers and passengers buckle up. Every Trip. Every Time. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car — and that includes children being in the correct car seats, too.”
Guidelines to buckle up safely:
- The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
- Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. 3. The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
- Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.
According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022 (6 p.m. Nov. 23, to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 28), there were 326 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 43% (141) were unrestrained.
Not wearing a seat belt proved to be deadly at any time of the day during the holiday weekend.
The data showed that the time of the day was irrelevant for fatal crashes with 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes being unbuckled, and 38% of those killed in daytime crashes also being unbuckled.
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