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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is working with multiple local law enforcement agencies across the state to make sure everyone stays safe on the roads throughout the week of Thanksgiving.

Whether driving cross country or just across town to celebrate the holiday, remember to buckle up. Every trip. Every time.

Through Sunday, Dec. 1, ALEA troopers will conduct high-visibility enforcement details such as driver license checkpoints and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) operations. Specialized details for the Thanksgiving holiday will include targeting high-crash areas along busy corridors and partnerships with local law enforcement agencies for driver license checkpoints, all in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities.

“Effective coordination among law enforcement agencies is crucial for the safety of citizens and visitors across all of our communities,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said in a release. “We work with our local partners throughout the year, every year, however, these efforts are especially important during high-traffic periods such as the Thanksgiving holiday. We are thankful for all local law enforcement agencies as our shared goal is to reduce tragedies and save lives.”

“The Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of a cherished time of year,” ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer said. “Tragically, many Alabama families experience loss due to preventable motor vehicle accidents caused by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.”

In addition to being required by law, buckling up is the best defense against injury or death in a crash. According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022 (6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, to 5:59 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28), there were 326 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 43% (141) were unrestrained. Not wearing a seat belt proved to be deadly at any time of the day during the holiday weekend: 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes were unbuckled, and 38% of those killed in daytime crashes also were unbuckled. These deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America and may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

“No matter how long or short your drive, it’s critical that drivers and passengers Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car — and that includes children being in the correct car seats, too,” continued Colonel Archer.

Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle.

 

Guidelines to buckle up safely:

1. The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
2. Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. 3. The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
3. Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.

For more information about ALEA and additional seasonal safety tips, visit www.alea.gov.