ALEA encourages safe driving over Labor Day weekend

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Alabama Department of Transportation are asking the public to drive safely over the Labor Day weekend.

According to a press release from ALEA, "speeding, driving under the influence and driving while distracted top the list of deadly driving behaviors."

The release said traffic over the holiday weekend is "heavier than usual from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, to midnight on Monday, Sept. 5."

"For many of us, Labor Day weekend is a chance for us to squeeze in one last trip to the beach or lake or other fun and warm-weather destination," Secretary of Law Enforcement Stan Stabler said. "Let’s all do our part to ensure our roadways and waterways are safe. Let’s obey all traffic laws.”

There will be a "highly visible enforcement presence" over the holiday weekend for crimes and other situations that could lead to death or injury, Stabler said in the release.

“We also will join our county and municipal law enforcement partners across Alabama to promote the national safety campaign Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which is designed to combat driving under the influence,” Stabler said.

Grants from ALDOT and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will pay for additional weekend shifts for troopers.

ALEA and ALDOT would like to remind the public to:

• Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

• Pay attention to speed limits and driving conditions on the road and obey boating laws on the water;

• Be cautious while driving through construction zones. As an added precaution during the heavily traveled holiday, ALDOT will suspend temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from noon on Friday, Sept. 2, through midnight on Monday, Sept. 5;

• Use seat belts and child restraints in motor vehicles and life vests on the water;

• Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage use of alcoholic beverages; and,

• Pay attention to weather conditions, particularly when it involves thunder and lightning.