From highways to hangouts: ALEA urges Alabamians to “Think Smart Before You Start Spring Break”
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Special to the News
As Spring Break travel ramps up across Alabama, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging motorists and students to make smart decisions before celebrations begin, emphasizing that enforcement will extend beyond highways and into illegal activity often associated with Spring Break gatherings.
Through its annual “Think Smart Before You Start Spring Break” campaign, ALEA is highlighting the importance of both safe travel and responsible behavior as activity increases statewide.
Spring Break is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and ALEA Troopers will be highly visible on Alabama roadways, focusing on speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt compliance.
“Spring Break travel brings heavier traffic volumes and increased risks on our roadways,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Our troopers will be proactively patrolling across the state to deter dangerous driving behaviors and respond quickly when needed. We are asking drivers to slow down, stay focused and make responsible choices behind the wheel so everyone reaches their destination safely.”
Beyond the roadway, ALEA officials emphasize that safety extends into communities and social settings, as well. Special agents assigned to ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Alcohol Unit will be actively working cases involving underage drinking, illegal alcohol sales and the use of fraudulent identification.
“Illegal activity doesn’t get a pass during Spring Break,” said SBI Director Chris Inabinett. “Our special agents are committed to identifying and investigating violations involving underage drinking and illegal alcohol activity. These are not minor offenses; they carry real legal consequences and can quickly escalate into dangerous situations.”
As the state’s top law enforcement official, ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized that public safety remains a unified effort across all divisions of the agency.
“Whether on our highways or within our communities, our mission remains the same, to protect life and uphold the law,” Secretary Taylor said. “ALEA troopers and special agents will be working together throughout Spring Break to ensure that those traveling and those celebrating do so safely and responsibly. We want everyone to enjoy this time, but more importantly, we want them to make it home. Thinking smart before you start can prevent a moment of poor judgment from becoming a lifelong consequence.”
Under Alabama law, individuals under the age of 21 who possess or consume alcohol may face criminal charges. Providing alcohol to minors or using fake identification can also result in significant penalties.
In addition to enforcement efforts, ALEA is actively engaging students across the state through hands-on safety initiatives, including “Prom Promise” and Fatal Vision events. These programs are designed to show, not just tell, the real-life consequences of impaired driving.
Prom Promise events use powerful, scenario-based demonstrations to illustrate how quickly poor decisions can lead to tragedy, while Fatal Vision courses allow students to experience firsthand how alcohol and drugs impair coordination, reaction time and judgment.
These interactive events are currently underway statewide and will continue throughout Spring Break and the prom season into April, reinforcing ALEA’s commitment to reaching young drivers before a critical decision is made.
ALEA encourages all travelers and students to plan ahead and make responsible choices before heading out:
- Never drink and drive or ride with an impaired driver
- Plan safe transportation in advance
- Obey all traffic laws and posted speed limits
- Always wear a seat belt and avoid distractions
- Watch for pedestrians and increased foot traffic in popular destinations; pedestrians should also follow safety guidelines
- Understand the risk and legal consequences of underage drinking
“Spring Break should be remembered for the right reasons,” Secretary Taylor added. “A smart decision before you start can make the difference between making memories and facing consequences.”
For updates and additional safety tips, follow ALEA on social media @ALEAProtects.
