Dec. 5 – Statewide, Troopers investigated 473 traffic crashes, including 21 fatalities, and made 60 DUI arrests during Thanksgiving week, according to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency news release Tuesday.
ALEA’s “holiday enforcement period” ran from November 23 to December 1. The 21 traffic-related deaths included a pedestrian and an all-terrain vehicle passenger. Of the remaining 19 fatal collisions, 10 were not wearing seat belts, Troopers said. The closest fatal crash occurred in Madison County; none occurred in Morgan County.
“The loss of 21 lives during what is meant to be a joyful holiday season is devastating,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said in the news release. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. Each number represents a loved one whose absence will be deeply felt this Christmas and New Year.”
Police officers said speeding, poor driving and not wearing seat belts were the main factors contributing to the deaths.
Troopers also made 60 DUI arrests and issued 5,264 traffic tickets and 2,730 warnings. Locally, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office made 17 arrests for drunk driving and public intoxication.
Under Alabama law, a driver can be charged with driving while intoxicated if he is in physical control of a vehicle and has a BAC greater than 0.08%, or is under the influence of alcohol, or is under the influence of a substance containing physical or mental impairment that prevents him from driving safely, or he is younger than 21 years old and has a BAC of more than 0.02%.
Despite the 0.08% BAC threshold, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. According to NHTSA, approximately 32% of all traffic crash deaths in the United States involve drunk drivers, which amounts to approximately 11,000 drunk driving deaths per year.
According to the University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety, there have been 794 traffic fatalities in Alabama this year. Of these, 139 were related to driving under the influence. According to the Center, there were 891 road deaths in 2023, of which 172 were related to drunk driving.
With Christmas approaching, ALEA says there is an increased risk of accidents due to increased alcohol consumption and traffic congestion. They called on drivers to remain vigilant and practice safe driving behavior.
“We encourage everyone to prioritize safety by not driving under the influence, obeying speed limits and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seat belt,” said Col. Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, in the press release.
ALEA is preparing to launch its annual “12 Days of Safety” campaign on December 21. Troopers said they will continue to enforce laws designed to protect lives on Alabama’s highways.
– david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
