ALEA investigates 12 traffic deaths, drownings over July 4 travel period

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – There were nine traffic deaths and three drownings investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency over the five-day travel period surrounding the July 4 holidays, according to ALEA. That period spanned from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7.

The traffic deaths happened in Calhoun, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Cullman, Escambia, Jackson, Marshall and Tuscaloosa counties. July 3 was the only “zero-fatality day,” according to ALEA.

According to investigators, those killed included six drivers and one passenger. ALEA troopers reported that just one of the seven victims in vehicles equipped with seat belts was buckled up at the time of the crash. Two of the victims were motorcyclists, both of whom were wearing helmets.

The three drownings happened at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County, Wheeler Lake in Morgan County, and Palmetto Creek in Baldwin County.

“Unfortunately, this holiday period ended in tragedy for 12 individuals and their loved ones, which we extend our deepest condolences,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “For law enforcement, this number is a stark reminder that our job is never done. While I commend all of our officers and the state’s first responders who worked tirelessly over the holiday away from their families, I also pledge to the public that our Agency will continue our mission of protecting and serving by conducting high-visibility enforcement details and providing educational opportunities to combat dangerous driving and boating habits and reduce such tragedies.”

Troopers also noted that 2024 marked the third straight year in which the state recorded no boating-related deaths on Alabama’s waterways.

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