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By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency increases presence by troopers on state roadways during major holiday periods.

The agency keeps track of the number of traffic-related deaths during these times.

According to ALEA, there were 22 traffic deaths during the 2019 Christmas through New Year’s holiday travel period, which goes from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1.

There were four days during the period with no traffic fatalities, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

However, the nine other days of the period saw fatal wrecks occur.

“Among those killed was a 4-year-old, who died in an Etowah County crash,” said ALEA in a press release. “The others killed included 10 drivers, nine passengers and one pedestrian. One motorcyclist, who was using a helmet, also was killed. Of the 20 individuals killed while traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts, 14 of them were not using seat belts or restraints. Four of those killed were using seat belts, and seat-belt usage is unknown for two of the individuals killed.”

Fatal crashes were recorded in Baldwin, Barbour, Cullman, Dallas, Elmore, Etowah, Henry, Lamar, Mobile, Pickens, Randolph, Russell and Tuscaloosa counties.

Troopers investigated 21 deaths during the same holiday travel period in 2018.

According to ALEA, these numbers only cover fatal crashes covered by troopers. Statewide numbers involving other law enforcement agencies are not available.