Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated nine traffic deaths and three drownings over the July 4th holiday period, the agency said Tuesday.
The period was defined by ALEA as being between 12:01 July 3 and midnight July 7. ALEA’s statistics do do not include fatalities worked by other law enforcement agencies in the state.
“Unfortunately, this holiday period ended in tragedy for 12 individuals and their loved ones, which we extend our deepest condolences,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “For law enforcement, this number is a stark reminder that our job is never done. While I commend all of our officers and the state’s first responders who worked tirelessly over the holiday away from their families, I also pledge to the public that our Agency will continue our mission of protecting and serving by conducting high-visibility enforcement details and providing educational opportunities to combat dangerous driving and boating habits and reduce such tragedies.”
The 2024 July 4th holiday period was the third consecutive year there were no boating-related fatalities investigating by ALEA, the agency said.
The traffic fatalities occurred in Calhoun, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Cullman, Escambia, Jackson, Marshall and Tuscaloosa counties.
Of those killed, six were drivers, one was a passenger and two were motorcyclists. Both motorcyclists were using helmets at the time of their crashes, but only one person of the seven traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts was buckled up at the time of the crash.
The three drownings occurred at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County, Wheeler Lake in Morgan County and Palmetto Creek in Baldwin County.
July 3 was the only day during the period where no fatalities were reported, ALEA said.
State troopers investigated 206 traffic crashes, made 48 DUI arrests, issued 2,429 citations for speeding and issued 1,211 citations for seat belts and/or improper child restraints, the agency said.
Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated 14 boating incidents, made 14 BUI arrests, issued 206 Marine Safety citations and issued 852 Marine Safety Warnings. Troopers also conducted 671 vessel inspections and patrolled 36 marine related events across the state, many of which were firework shows over the water.
“I echo Secretary Taylor’s comments: our jobs are never done. With the increase in summer activities and travel, it is imperative that safety remains a top priority for everyone,” said Col. Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. Please remember to wear your seat belts, put down your phone and other distractions, and never operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our Troopers will continue to work diligently to enforce traffic and boating laws to protect the lives of all Alabamians and its visitors.”
The division is continuing its 101 Days of Summer Safety educational campaign and the Rescue Swimmer Detail on the Gulf Coast, Archer said.
On July 15, the division will kick off its Rural Road Safety Awareness Week while conducting a joint safety initiative with its counterparts in Georgia for Southern Slow Down, which focuses on speeding and reckless driving.
ALEA’s Aviation Unit, with assistance from the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach fire departments, participated in the Rescue Swimmer Detail from July 4 through July 8.
The unit performed 12 patrol flights, responded to four calls for service and performed 10 practice deployments of rescue swimmers.
ALEA cautioned prospective beachgoers that Tropical Depression Beryl brings threats of strong rip currents in the Gulf of Mexico.
Visitors to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores can sign up for daily beach conditions and warning flag status by texting ALBEACHES to 888777.