ALEA investigates nearly 200 crashes, 6 deaths over Labor Day travel period

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The extended Labor Day holiday travel period has come to an end, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says it responded to nearly 200 traffic crashes that involved multiple injuries and deaths.

The travel period, which ran from midnight on Friday through midnight on Monday, saw a total of six ALEA-investigated traffic deaths. Those were reported in Cleburne, Chilton, and Mobile counties.

Monday also brought to an end ALEA’s ‘101 Days of Summer Safety’ campaign, which runs annually from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a period often referred to as the “100 deadliest days of summer.” The campaign aims to spread awareness on the dangers of risky driving behaviors and encourage safety talks with teens and loved ones. ALEA said, as of Sept. 1, 2024, it’s seen 32 fewer traffic fatalities compared to the same time in 2023.

ALEA HIGHWAY PATROL – BY THE NUMBERS

185 crashes

6 deaths

101 injuries

29 driving under the influence arrests

227 seat belt citations

1,688 speeding citations

15 reckless driving citations

Additionally, ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated one drowning on Wheeler Lake, which is located in north Alabama. While there were no boating-related deaths, the Marine Patrol Division did investigate one boating incident on Lake Tuscaloosa that resulted in two injuries.

The Marine Patrol Division provided patrols and helped with six different events on the water during the holiday weekend.

ALEA MARINE PATROL – BY THE NUMBERS

1 drowning

0 boating-related deaths

366 vessel inspections

6 boating under the influence arrests

469 safety warnings

105 safety citations

“While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, there is still much work to be done,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “These tragic incidents underline the importance of road safety, as well boating safety, and the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to the state’s laws throughout the entire year.”

“We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the families who lost a loved one over the holiday weekend,” added ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer. “At ALEA, we often say one life is one too many. As law enforcement officers, we are sworn to protect and serve and that includes doing our best to be proactive and reduce crashes and fatalities. As we move towards fall, football and other seasonal festivities that may cause for heavier traffic on the state’s roadways, please help us prevent unnecessary tragedies by committing to wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions, and always drive sober.”

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