Score big with safety this Labor Day weekend on road, water
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Special to the News
As Alabamians across the state prepare to celebrate Labor Day weekend and cheer on their favorite teams during the first big weekend of college football, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds everyone to “Score Big with Safety” – both on the road and on the water.
Troopers assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol divisions will be actively patrolling and participating in high-visibility details to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all motorists and boaters. This includes enhanced patrols on Alabama’s roadways and waterways to deter dangerous driving and boating behaviors.
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division has already kicked off the Labor Day travel period by conducting driver license checkpoints and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) operations, which will continue through Monday, Sept. 1.
“Labor Day is traditionally one of the busiest weekends on our roads and waterways, and with the beginning of football season, excitement will be at an all-time high,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “We want everyone to start the season with a win by making smart choices. Please buckle up, drive sober and stay alert so you can enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly.”
Roadway Safety Tips:
- Celebrate the Win, Not a DUI Loss: If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, make a winning play and plan for a safe ride before kickoff.
- Be the Most Valuable Passenger and Buckle Up: Seat belts save lives — so make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up, no matter how long or short the drive.
- Don’t Get a Personal Foul – Put the Phone Down: Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
- No Tailgating on the Road: Keep the tailgating fun at the stadium, not on the highway. Allow extra time for heavy traffic and avoid aggressive driving.
Waterway Safety Tips:
- Stay in Bounds: Know the rules of the water before you launch and know the No-Wake zones.
- Wear Your Personal Flotation Device (PFD): It’s your best defense against an unexpected tackle from rough waters.
- Boat Sober: Just like on the road, alcohol and boating don’t mix.
- Keep Your Head in the Game and Pay Attention: Watch for other vessels, paddleboarders, swimmers, and changing weather conditions. “Pop-up” thunderstorms are common in Alabama during the summer months due to the intense heat and humidity.
To enhance safety in Alabama’s coastal areas, ALEA will also deploy its helicopter for the annual Rescue Swimmer Detail, a life-saving operation in coordination with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Fire departments.
ALEA’s aircraft will patrol the Gulf Coast, flying and deploying rescue swimmers to distressed individuals in the water. These highly trained rescue swimmers will be ready to respond to emergencies, ensuring everyone stays safe while enjoying Alabama’s beaches. The aircraft will also monitor areas not covered by lifeguards.
“Our mission is to keep every individual safe, whether you’re traveling to a tailgate, cruising on a boat, or enjoying the beach,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. “We urge everyone to play it safe this weekend by making smart decisions and following the rules, so the holiday ends with great memories – not tragedy.”
For traffic updates and more safety tips, follow ALEA on social media @ALEAProtects. Together, we can make this Labor Day weekend one to celebrate safely and responsibly.
