Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer, prompting many to make one more trip to the beach, lake or other warm-weather destination.
People are likely to encounter heavier traffic than usual both on roadways and waterways during this year’s holiday travel period, from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, to midnight Monday, Sept. 2.
“We certainly want everyone to enjoy Labor Day activities, but please play it safe when traveling or spending time on the water,” Secretary Hal Taylor of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said.
From now until midnight Sept. 2, expect to see more ALEA Troopers working to promote traffic and water safety and to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities. With grants administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), ALEA will have funds to cover Trooper overtime shifts during this valuable safety campaign. The agency is stepping up patrol and enforcement efforts, including participating in the national initiative Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (and Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over) and conducting sobriety and driver license checkpoints, and speed and seat-belt enforcement details.
“Cooperation from motorists and boaters is essential to the success of our Labor Day weekend safety plans,” said Secretary Taylor, who urges everyone to adhere to the following safety tips:
ALEA’s Five to Stay Alive
- Do not drive or operate a boat (or other vessel) under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Select a designated driver in advance, call a cab or ride-share service or call a sober friend of family member to get you home safely.
- Obey the law. Avoid speeding, following too closely and other dangerous behaviors on roadways and waterways.
- Buckle up. It’s simple. Use seat belts and child safety seats — no matter how short a trip or which seat you and loved ones are occupying in a vehicle. On waterways, use personal flotation devices (PFDs). They should be available to all passengers at all times, but the law requires children younger than 8 to wear them at all times.
- Stay off the water during inclement weather. Monitor local weather and avoid going out when the forecast predicts thunder and lightning.
- Use caution when traveling through construction zones. For the safety of the traveling public, construction industry workers and maintenance crews, ALDOT will suspend temporary lane closures on interstates (and possibly other highways) from noon Friday, Aug. 30, to midnight Monday, Sept. 2.