ALEA wraps up Labor Day safety enforcement: Most important drive is still the one home
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ALEA troopers investigate six traffic fatalities, zero fatalities on water
Special to the News
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) concluded its Labor Day safety enforcement period Monday, September 7, following four days of increased patrols and safety efforts across Alabama’s roadways and waterways.
From Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7, ALEA troopers assigned to the Agency’s Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol divisions worked to keep Alabamians and visitors safe during one of the final major travel weekends of summer.
As summer came to a close and football season kicked off across the state, ALEA encouraged motorists and boaters to “Make the Right Call” – slow down, buckle up, stay alert, designate a sober driver, and make getting home safely part of every plan.
Tragically, six individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes investigated by ALEA troopers during the four-day period, the same number of traffic fatalities recorded during the 2025 Labor Day travel period. The fatal crashes occurred in Baldwin, Cleburne, Colbert, Shelby, and Lauderdale counties. Additionally, troopers investigated 322 traffic crashes, which resulted in 107 injuries across the state.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “Every number in these statistics represents a person, a family, or a community impacted by what happened on Alabama’s roadways and waterways this weekend. While we are thankful no lives were lost on the water, six families are now facing an unimaginable loss following traffic crashes. We extend our deepest condolences to them and ask everyone to carry the same safety mindset beyond the holiday weekend. Slow down, buckle up, put distractions away, and never drive impaired. The most important drive is always the one that gets you home safely.”
Highway Patrol Enforcement
During the four-day period, ALEA troopers:
- Investigated 322 traffic crashes, resulting in six fatalities and 107 injuries
- Issued 2,481 citations for various traffic violations
- Issued 1,369 warnings for various traffic violations
- Made 34 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests
Marine Patrol Enforcement
ALEA Marine Patrol troopers reported zero boating or non-boating fatalities during the Labor Day period. Troopers also:
- Investigated three boating incidents, resulting in three injuries
- Conducted 380 vessel inspections
- Issued 106 marine safety citations
- Issued 544 marine safety warnings
- Made two Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests
- Provided 32 boater assists
- Patrolled four marine events
ALEA Department of Public Safety Director Colonel Jonathan Archer said, “Our troopers were highly visible throughout the weekend, but enforcement is only one part of preventing crashes and saving lives. Drivers and boaters ultimately play the most important role. We need everyone to make responsible decisions every time they get behind the wheel or take to the water. The end of the Labor Day enforcement period does not mean the end of ALEA’s safety efforts.”
Whether traveling to a stadium, heading home from a watch party, or simply making the daily commute, ALEA encourages everyone to “Make the Right Call” and remember: The Most Important Drive Is the One Home.
