MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As Thanksgiving approaches, various law enforcement bodies in Alabama are intensifying efforts to ensure travelers reach their destinations safely. From now until Sunday, Dec. 1, officers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) are conducting more visible enforcement operations including driver’s license checkpoints and the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology.
These patrols are particularly focused on areas with high accident rates and larger traffic volumes. ALEA is collaborating with local police forces to manage these checkpoints, aiming to decrease the number and severity of traffic-related incidents over the holiday period.
Col. Jonathan Archer, the director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, expressed concern about the start of the holiday season. “The Thanksgiving holiday is the beginning of our most cherished season, but sadly, it is also a time when we witness the consequences of impaired driving, excessive speeding, and not wearing seat belts,” he said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Thanksgiving holiday period last year witnessed 326 traffic-related fatalities across the country from Wednesday evening to early Monday, with nearly half of those individuals not restrained by seat belts at the time of the accidents.
Col. Archer emphasizes the importance of seat belt use, stating, “We implore everyone to ensure that all passengers are securely fastened before starting the car. This includes properly securing children in appropriate car seats.”
For optimal safety, the proper use of seat belts involves securing the lap belt across the pelvis and the shoulder belt across the rib cage, areas well-suited to absorb crash forces. Additionally, the shoulder belt should lie across the chest and away from the neck while the lap belt should not sit over the stomach. It is critically important never to place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.
Traveling during holidays increases traffic density and, potentially, the risk of accidents. Law enforcement officials emphasize the universal need for buckling up on every trip, irrespective of distance.
Authorities urge all drivers and passengers to take precautions seriously to prevent traffic injuries and fatalities. By ensuring seat belts are used by all occupants and observing traffic laws, many accidents can be avoided, making holiday celebrations safer for everyone.
This article was automatically generated by Open AI. Facts, individuals, or events described may be inaccurate. For corrections or removal, please contact contact@publiclawlibrary.org.