MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Department of Public Safety, Marine Police, and Alcoholic Beverage Control Board have teamed together to remind citizens of the importance of safety during the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.
During the holiday travel period, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, December 20, and ends at midnight Thursday, January 2, state law enforcement officers will work to create a highly visible enforcement presence intended to prevent crimes and violations on Alabama roadways and waterways that lead to deaths and injuries. The public should expect officers -- even in unmarked vehicles -- to make enforcement stops.
Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said, “State and local law enforcement agencies throughout Alabama are partnering together and we ask that the citizens join us in taking precautions that will help ensure a safer holiday season for everyone.” Recommended safety precautions include:
- Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent under-age use of alcoholic beverages.
- Pay attention to speed limits and driving conditions on the road, and obey boating laws on the water.
- Use seat belts and child restraints in motor vehicles -- no matter how short your drive is.
- Use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in boats, particularly if you will be alone. Not only will this keep you afloat, but it also will offer protection against hypothermia.
- Boaters or hunters who plan to use a boat should leave a float plan that includes a description of your boat, where you plan to launch from, where you plan to go and what time to expect you back.
- Pedestrians should be extremely cautious when walking, jogging or running near roadways, especially when it is dark. Increase visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking and by wearing reflective clothing to help highlight body movements. Always stop and look left, right and left again before crossing a roadway.
In addition, troopers will be available to assist motorists and can be reached by dialing *HP (*47) on their cell phones.
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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was created by Act 2013-67 and represents the consolidation and realignment of 12 state law enforcement agencies/functions into one entity. ALEA is currently in a transition period, and upon full implementation on January 1, 2015, will be responsible for the functions and missions of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, Department of Public Safety, Alabama Bureau of Investigation, Fusion Center, Criminal Justice Information Center, Marine Police, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Enforcement, Department of Revenue Enforcement, Forestry Commission Investigations, Agricultural and Industry Investigations, Public Service Commission Enforcement, and Office of Prosecution Service Computer Forensics Lab.
