ALEA Offers 7 Tips for a Safe Memorial Day Weekend
Troopers also Participating in Click It or Ticket and National Safe Boating Week
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) doesn’t play when it comes to being safe while having fun – particularly during Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s official holiday travel period runs from 6:00am Friday, May 26th to midnight Monday, May 29th
Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor said ALEA is serious about public safety. “Working in conjunction with our county and municipal law enforcement partners during the holiday weekend and beyond, we will work to promote public safety and reduce the number of traffic and boating crashes, injuries and fatalities,” the Secretary said.
In addition, he said, Troopers will create a highly visible enforcement presence and be available to assist motorists and boaters in need. He added, “While doing this, we will participate in two national safety campaigns thanks to grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).”
Highway Patrol will focus on Click It Or Ticket, which designed to enforce seat belt/child-restraint laws from Tuesday, May 23rd to Monday, June 5th and the Marine Patrol will be part of National Safe Boating Week, to help make the state’s waterways safer, between Saturday, May 20th and Friday, May 26th with such events as Ready, Set, Wear It! on Saturday, May 20th.
Secretary Taylor said cooperation from motorists and boaters of all ages is key to ensuring everyone enjoys the extended holiday weekend, as well as the summer.
Secretary Taylor offers summer safety tips:
- Obey all traffic and boating laws.
- Make sure everyone buckles up/wears life vests.
- Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage consumption of alcohol.
- Never drive or operate a boat when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (Choose a designated driver before the fun begins!)
- Avoid such distractions as texting and talking on cell phones, and focus on driving or boating.
- Allow extra time for traveling as heavy traffic/crashes are expected, and be extra cautious in construction zones.
- Pay attention to the weather conditions, especially when there is thunder and lightning on the water.
