Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is planning to increase its presence on major roadways during the upcoming holiday season.

According to a release from ALEA, the agency will be assigning “all available” troopers to patrol roadways and increase efforts by law enforcement to prevent crashes and fatalities.

“Our goal is simply to save lives,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said.

The holiday travel period with increased presence will run from midnight on Dec. 20 to midnight on Jan. 1.

“During this time, ALEA urges motorists to assist troopers and their law enforcement partners across the state in promoting safety on all Alabama roadways,” said the agency in the release. “The agency also is participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, designed to curb alcohol or drug-impaired driving.”

According to the agency, increased traffic safety activity during holiday seasons are made possible through grant funding from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Alabama Department of Transportation.

“When so many are traveling at this time of year, safety is key,” Taylor said. “Please obey speed limits, insist everyone in the vehicle buckle up, do not drive while under the influence or while distracted, and do not follow too closely. These driving behaviors are among the most deadly. Let’s all do our part during the holiday season, as well as the rest of the year, to #ArriveAliveAlabama.”

In order to help increase motorist safety during the holidays, ALDOT will suspend all temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from 6 a.m. Dec. 24 through 6 a.m. Dec. 26 and from noon on Dec. 31 through 6 a.m. Jan. 2.