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MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has concluded its  Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period, which took place from Saturday, November 23, to  Sunday, December 1. This critical initiative aimed to ensure the safety of all citizens during one  of the busiest travel seasons of the year. 

During this nine-day period, ALEA Troopers investigated 473 traffic crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities. Nineteen individuals were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts; however, 10  individuals did not use them. One of the individuals killed was a pedestrian and another was a  passenger on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). 

The deadly crashes occurred in Baldwin, Cherokee, Clay, Colbert, Coosa, Dekalb, Elmore,  Fayette, Geneva, Lee, Madison, Marion, Mobile, Perry, Pike, Tuscaloosa and Washington  counties.  

Additionally, ALEA Troopers issued 5,264 citations and 2,730 warnings, along with making 60  Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests. The top contributing factors in these tragic events  include speeding, driving impaired and the absence of seat belt usage. 

“The loss of 21 lives during what is meant to be a joyous holiday season is devastating,” said  ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of those  who lost their lives. Each number represents a loved one whose absence will be felt deeply this  Christmas and New Year. As we transition into yet another highly traveled period, please  remember that the messages surrounding traffic safety are critical and awareness can help us  save lives.”  

With the holidays fast approaching, ALEA urges all drivers to remain vigilant and practice safe  driving behaviors. The potential for increased intoxication and traffic congestion heightens the  risk of accidents during this festive time. 

“We encourage everyone to prioritize safety by not driving under the influence, obeying speed  limits, and ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up,” said ALEA’s Department of  Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer. “Creating a safe environment on our  roads is a responsibility we all share. Let us honor those we’ve lost this season by committing to  safer driving practices moving forward.” 

As we prepare to celebrate with family and friends once again, ALEA invites everyone to join in  the annual ‘12 Days of Safety’ Campaign by making a commitment to abide by traffic laws and 

share safety messages with loved ones ahead of the holidays. We can all play a part in reducing  fatalities and ensuring the safety of our roads. 

ALEA remains dedicated to promoting vehicle safety awareness and will continue to enforce  laws designed to protect lives on Alabama’s highways. The Agency’s ‘12 Days of Safety’  campaign will launch on Saturday, Dec. 21, and run through the New Year on Jan. 1, 2025.  

For further information on traffic safety tips and the upcoming campaign, please visit the ALEA  website at www.alea.gov.