ALEA releases Labor Day traffic accident report

A report by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) on accidents that took place in the Labor Day said that there were eight fatalities on the road but none on any waterways during the holiday. 

ALEA responded to fatal traffic accidents that happened in Montgomery, Marion, Marshall, Cullman, Washington, Randolph, Tuscaloosa and Lawrence counties. Four were not wearing seatbelts and one driving an ATV was not using restraints, the report said. 

“While the Agency noticed a decrease in traffic fatalities this Labor Day weekend, our goal is always zero lives lost,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “The loss of a loved one is always devastating, however, when the loss is a child, it impacts families in a way that changes them forever."

"As a parent, I cannot imagine the horror of losing a child at such a young age. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all the families who lost loved ones over this most recent holiday weekend.”

Unfortunately two deaths were juveniles that local law enforcement agencies responded to, with one being a 16-year-old student from Albertville High School in Marshall County and the other a 15-year-old Calera High School student in Shelby County. 

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“Every year when school begins, we see a surge of students getting their Alabama Driver and Learners Licenses," said ALEA Department of Public Safety Director, Colonel Jon Archer. "We highly recommend that parents get involved and have a firm talk with their teenagers before they hit the road. Sadly, due to their inexperience and limited skills, teens are more prone to traffic accidents.

"We urge parents to conduct practice driving sessions with their teens and go over the rules of the road together. Remember, parents and guardians have more influence than they might realize. Set a good example and actively participate in your teen's driving journey right from the start.”

Though there were no deaths on the waterways ALEA noted two injuries occurring on Logan Martin Lake and Smith Lake. ALEA pilots assisted with rescuing two swimmers in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

“Our Marine Patrol Division works diligently to take every opportunity to educate the public whether it is during a patrol stop, vessel check or at a public safety event," Taylor said. 

"They have done an outstanding job educating and patrolling the waterways during the busiest weekends of the year; however, this success would not be possible without the assistance and care of each boater. We hope this trend continues each year and we encourage parents to also educate their teens on water and boating safety, as many will obtain their vessel license along with their Alabama Driver License."