SYLACAUGA, Ala. – As Labor Day weekend approaches, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reminds everyone to keep safe while driving and boating.
ALEA said Labor Day weekend draws heavier traffic on Alabama’s roadways and waterways than usual. Traffic/water safety is a priority throughout the year, but it’s especially important during extended holiday weekends, when so many want to enjoy one last seasonal road trip to the lake, beach, or other warm-weather attraction.
During the Labor Day weekend, which runs from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31 to midnight Monday, Sept. 3, Troopers in ALEA’s Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol Divisions will step up patrol and enforcement efforts across the state to promote safety and work to prevent crashes, injuries, and deaths.
ALEA’s enforcement efforts include participation in the national campaign Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this final week, Troopers and their law enforcement partners across the state will conduct public safety checkpoints and sobriety checks and do everything they can to remove impaired individuals from behind the wheels of vehicles and boats (or other water vessels). Grants administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will fund overtime for additional Troopers during this initiative.
Still, ALEA needs assistance from motorists and boaters to truly make a positive impact on DUIs/BUIs. The following are ALEA’s Five to Stay Alive safety tips:
- Avoid driving and/or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are impaired, do not drive or operate a boat. Designate a sober driver in advance, call a cab, use public transportation or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
- Simply obey the law. Avoid speeding; driving/boating when distracted by cell phones, etc.; following too closely; and other dangerous – sometimes deadly – behavior on Alabama’s roadways and waterways.
- Buckle up – no matter how short your trip. Ensure all of the vehicle’s occupants are buckled up (or using a child restraint system) and those on your boat are using or have access to personal flotation device (PFDs are required at all times for ages eight and younger.)
- Avoid the water during inclement weather, particularly when it includes thunder and lightning.
- Be even more cautious when traveling through construction zones. For the safety of the traveling public, construction industry workers and maintenance crews, ALDOT will have no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from noon Friday, Aug. 31, to midnight Monday, Sept. 3.
