ALABAMA (WDNews) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported six traffic fatalities and one drowning during the 2024 Labor Day weekend. ALEA Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor released the details of the weekend’s traffic and boating statistics on Monday, Sept. 2.
Between Friday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Sept. 2, ALEA Troopers investigated six fatal traffic crashes across Cleburne, Chilton, and Mobile counties. Saturday, Aug. 31, was the only day without a fatality during the extended holiday weekend. ALEA also investigated 185 traffic crashes, resulting in 101 injuries, along with making 29 DUI arrests. Troopers issued 227 citations for seat belt violations, 1,688 speeding tickets, and 15 reckless driving citations.
On the water, ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated a non-boating related drowning on Wheeler Lake on Sunday, Sept. 1. There were no fatal boating incidents, but there was a boating incident on Lake Tuscaloosa resulting in two injuries. Troopers conducted 366 vessel inspections, made six Boating Under the Influence arrests, and issued 469 Marine Safety Warnings and 105 Marine Safety Citations.
The holiday weekend marked the end of ALEA’s “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign. Secretary Taylor shared his reflections on the effort, saying, “While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, there is still much work to be done. These tragic incidents underline the importance of road safety, as well as boat safety, and the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to the state’s laws everywhere.”
ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director Jonathan Archer also emphasized the agency’s commitment to reducing fatalities, stating, “We offer our sincere condolences to the families who lost a loved one over the holiday weekend. As we often say, one fatality is one too many. As law enforcement officers, we are sworn to protect and serve, and that includes doing our best to be proactive and reduce crashes and fatalities.”
As Alabama transitions into the fall season, ALEA is preparing for increased traffic due to sports events and festivals. Archer urged the public to help prevent tragedies by practicing safe driving habits, noting, “Please help us prevent unnecessary tragedies by committing to wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions, and always driving sober.”
In addition to roadway and waterway enforcement, ALEA supported a successful Rescue Swimmer Detail along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, partnering with local fire departments and cities like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. The agency conducted 12 patrol flights and six training deployments over the Labor Day weekend, assisting with water rescues along the coast.
As ALEA looks ahead to the fall months, officials are reminding the public to stay vigilant on the roads and waterways, ensuring that safety remains a top priority throughout the state.
