Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to kick off ‘101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign’

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — As Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is getting ready to kick off its annual “101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign.”

This campaign, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, comes as the agency wraps up its National Safe Boating Week campaign that shared water safety tips for boaters.

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However, as ALEA notes, “Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, “a lot of people will be taking to the highways for travel.

“This weekend is a time for remembrance and celebration, but it is also a time to prioritize safety,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We urge everyone to drive responsibly, stay alert, and make safe choices on both the roadways and waterways.”

He continued, “Your actions and smart decisions could not only save your life but also the lives of those around you.”

With the start of the campaign approaching, ALEA Troopers will be patrolling both highways and waterways to watch for dangerous driving or boating behaviors.

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Specifically, troopers are emphasizing:

  • Speeding: “Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents. Troopers will be monitoring for excessive speeds and will take appropriate enforcement actions.”

  • Impaired Driving: “ALEA will have a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

  • Seat Belt Use: “Seat belts save lives. Troopers will enforce seat belt laws and ensure all vehicle occupants are buckled up. Alabama law requires ALL occupants in a motor vehicle to use seat belts. The National Click It or Ticket campaign began May 22, and runs through June 2.”

  • Distracted Driving: “In Alabama, 1,844 crashes occurred as a result of distracted driving by use of a cell phone in 2020 and 1,972 crashes in 2019. Under current Alabama law, texting and driving in the state is illegal.”

“We urge everyone to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others on the road,” Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, said. “If you see dangerous driving behaviors, report them to law enforcement.”

Archer added, “We absolutely need the public’s assistance to reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and ultimately save lives this Memorial Day holiday weekend.”

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