Special to Atmore News
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) officials reported that state troopers from the agency’s Highway Patrol Division investigated 473 traffic crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities in 17 different counties, over the nine-day Thanksgiving holiday traffic period, which began November 23 and ended December 1.
Troopers reported that 19 of those who lost their lives were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts, but 10 of the victims were not using them. One of the other two who were killed was a pedestrian, while another was a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
The fatal crashes occurred in Baldwin, Cherokee, Clay, Colbert, Coosa, Dekalb, Elmore, Fayette, Geneva, Lee, Madison, Marion, Mobile, Perry, Pike, Tuscaloosa and Washington counties.
Additionally, state troopers issued 5,264 citations and 2,730 warnings, mostly for speeding, impaired driving or failure to use a seat belt. They also made 60 DUI arrests.
ALEA urges all drivers to remain vigilant and practice safe driving behaviors as the holiday season kicks into high gear. The potential for increased intoxication and traffic congestion heightens the risk of accidents during this festive time.
For further information on traffic safety tips and ALEA’s upcoming “12 Days of Safety” campaign, visit www.alea.gov.