MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, traffic fatalities across Alabama dropped significantly during the 2026 Fourth of July holiday travel period following increased statewide enforcement efforts.
ALEA reported that during the holiday travel period from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, troopers investigated:
263 traffic crashes
129 injuries
4 traffic fatalities
2,639 traffic citations
1,034 warnings
46 DUI arrests
ALEA said the four traffic fatalities represent a reduction of more than 66% compared to the 12 roadway deaths recorded during the 2025 Fourth of July holiday period.
On Alabama’s waterways, ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division reported:
9 boating incidents investigated
1 serious boating incident involving a missing person
555 vessel stops
235 citations issued
695 warnings issued
3 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests
A search and recovery operation remains ongoing at Lake Wedowee for an individual reported missing following a boating incident.
For comparison, ALEA said Marine Patrol investigated seven boating incidents during the 2025 Fourth of July holiday period. One non-boating fatality was reported during that weekend, while a boating incident that occurred on July 5 later became a fatality after the victim succumbed to injuries on July 9.
“This year’s Fourth of July holiday results demonstrate the positive impact that enforcement, education and personal responsibility can have on public safety,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Reducing traffic fatalities from 12 last year to four this year is a meaningful achievement and reflects the combined efforts of our Agency personnel, our public safety partners and the countless motorists who made safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel. While we are encouraged by this progress, our mission remains unchanged because even one life lost is one too many.”
Secretary Taylor also reminded the public that safe choices extend beyond holiday weekends.
“Whether you’re traveling on our highways or enjoying Alabama’s lakes and rivers, every decision matters,” Taylor said.
ALEA thanked its local, state and federal public safety partners, as well as the public, for helping make this year’s Fourth of July holiday travel period safer for everyone.
