Alabama Troopers will be out in force during the Fourth of July, enforcing all traffic laws, assisting motorists, and serving as visible reminders to drive safely, obey speed limits, buckle up, and refrain from drinking and driving.
Troopers especially will target impaired drivers during the July 4th holiday period, said Col. J. Christopher Murphy, director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). He said, in addition to routine patrols, troopers will conduct a variety of special enforcement details, including checkpoints, saturation and line patrols. They also will conduct LIDAR speed enforcement details, operating the laser speed detection devices from stationary vantage points.
Troopers will concentrate patrols on designated C.A.R.E. highways – interstates and other popular beach and vacation routes. Operation C.A.R.E., Combined Accident Reduction Effort, is a joint endeavor by state police nationwide to promote traffic safety during the holiday period through intensive enforcement and safety awareness activity.
The Department of Public Safety estimates that seven people will die in traffic crashes in Alabama during the 30-hour Independence Day period beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, and ending at midnight Wednesday, July 4. Last year there were 22 fatalities during an extended 102-hour Fourth of July holiday period. At least six of those deaths were alcohol related, and 10 of the crash victims were not using a safety belt.