Zero Labor Day Traffic Deaths in West Alabama, ALEA Reports

Six people died on Alabama roads over the Labor Day weekend, but none of the fatal crashes worked by State Troopers happened in West Alabama.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wrapped up its four-day holiday enforcement push Monday. Troopers investigated 322 crashes statewide between Friday and Monday, and those wrecks left six people dead and 107 injured.

The fatal crashes happened in Baldwin, Cleburne, Colbert, Shelby and Lauderdale counties, none of which are in the Thread's coverage area. Baldwin County sits on the Gulf Coast, Cleburne is on the Georgia line, Shelby is south of Birmingham, and Colbert and Lauderdale are in the Shoals.

That toll matches last year's Labor Day period, when troopers also investigated six traffic deaths.

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"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," ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. "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."

Troopers wrote 2,481 citations and 1,369 warnings over the four days and made 34 DUI arrests.

Nobody died on Alabama's waterways. Marine Patrol troopers investigated three boating incidents that produced three injuries, conducted 380 vessel inspections and made two arrests for boating under the influence. They also issued 106 marine safety citations and 544 warnings, assisted 32 boaters and patrolled four marine events.

One caveat worth noting: these numbers cover only crashes investigated by state troopers. Wrecks worked by city police departments or county sheriff's offices are not included, so the statewide picture is larger than what ALEA reported.

"Our Troopers were highly visible throughout the weekend, but enforcement is only one part of preventing crashes and saving lives," said Col. Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA's Department of Public Safety. "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."

ALEA ran the weekend under a "Make the Right Call" campaign, urging drivers and boaters to slow down, buckle up, stay alert and line up a sober driver.

For more exclusive coverage of community news in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.