HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Despite the recent record-breaking gas prices, troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) expects to see crowded roadways this Fourth of July holiday weekend as travel increases. They'll will be on the road looking for traffic violations and impaired drivers
“Beginning with the 2022 Memorial Day weekend, our Agency kicked off ‘101 days of Summer Safety'. We are continuing this vital safety initiative throughout the Fourth of July weekend and the rest of the summer, with a specific focus on impaired driving during this Fourth of July weekend,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.
This year’s Independence Day falls on a Monday and this means the busy holiday travel period will encompass the entire weekend, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 1, and end at midnight Monday, July 4.
The operation highlights the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national campaign and consists of informative media day events, line patrol and saturation details along with driver license checkpoints, as well as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) details, which will be conducted in various locations across the entire state.
In addition to safety reminders such as speeding, following too closely, checking blind spots and distracted driving, the Agency would also like to remind citizens of the importance of staying alert and protecting the state’s first responders, as well as all emergency response personnel by moving over or slowing down when emergency lights are detected on Alabama’s roadways.
In just the month of June, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency experienced two ALEA Troopers who were struck while stationed safely on the side of the road in two different areas of the state. Thankfully, both Troopers made a full recovery.
Motorists should be advised that fines for any moving traffic violation committed in a construction zone where workers are present will result in a $250 fine or double the regular fine, whichever amount is greater. Double fines aren’t just for speeding anymore. Distracted driving, tailgating, aggressive driving or any moving violation will result in a double fine under the amended Alabama law.
The Alabama Legislature’s amendments to the construction zone law went into effect July 1, 2021, as the number of injuries and fatal crashes in work zones increased in 2020.
“The recent experiences within our Agency alone, reiterates the magnitude of all motorists staying alert and helping us protect all citizens and visitors traveling within our state,” said Secretary Taylor. “I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.”
Additional safety tips from both ALEA’s Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol for the Fourth of July can be found here.
