This Memorial Day weekend, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is kicking off 101 days of safety throughout the summer months, beginning with the busy holiday weekend on Friday, May 27, and ending on Labor Day, Sept. 5, which, for many, is the last major holiday weekend of the summer season.
The agency will utilize an assortment of platforms and partnerships with local first responders to implement and convey a variety of safety initiatives along with tips and messages to keep your loved ones safe while enjoying all the summer festivities. From the highways, waterways and even the airways, ALEA will be there to assist and preserve public safety for all.
“After the challenges and restrictions of COVID-19, we realize and understand that Alabamians and citizens from across the nation will be traveling to and through our state to reach their fun-filled destinations to enjoy this holiday weekend with both friends and family. As the state law enforcement agency, we have developed a variety of initiatives to ensure that Alabama’s highways, waterways and beaches are safe for all,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.
The official Memorial Day travel period begins on 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 27, and concludes at midnight Monday, May 30. Like previous years, all available Troopers within ALEA’s Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol Division will be actively patrolling Alabama’s busy roadways and scenic waterways. However, this year, the agency is taking safety a step further and utilizing its Aviation Unit to partner with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to assist with a Summer Rescue Swimmer detail throughout the entire Memorial Day weekend.
“The purpose of this detail is to provide a rapid response water emergency team to enhance the safety for all citizens and visitors on Alabama’s beaches,” said Protective Services Division Chief Stephen Tidwell. “Our Aviation Unit will provide an aircraft and pilot to quickly fly and deploy rescue swimmers from both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Fire Departments to distressed swimmers. The aircraft will also be utilized to conduct beach safety flights, patrolling in those areas where lifeguards are not available.”
Steve Thompson, Chief responsible for ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division noted, “Along with ALEA Aviation, Troopers assigned to our Marine Patrol Division will also be available to assist with any boaters in distress, not only on the Gulf Coast, but along all of Alabama’s waterways. Troopers will be conducting safety vessel inspections to ensure every boat on the water is properly equipped with all the necessary safety equipment including a personal floatation device (PFD) for everyone on board the vessel. Our Troopers will also be on the lookout for indications that vessel operators maybe impaired. Please understand there will be zero tolerance for boating under the influence.”
ALEA offers the following safety tips to remember:
• Remain attentive around large vehicles and semi-trucks. Large vehicles such as semi-trucks command a heavy presence on interstates. They have limited maneuverability, longer stopping distances and bigger blind spots.
• Expect traffic heavier than usual. Adjust travel plans to accommodate busier roadways and waterways and leave a bit earlier.
• Prepare your vehicle. Get your vehicle’s tires, brakes, exterior lights, battery, air filters, wipers and fluid levels checked before you a leave for a trip. Keep an emergency kit available.
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Buckle up – no matter how short your trip. Ensure all the vehicle’s occupants are buckled up and children are utilizing a child restraint system.
• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.
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