21 people killed in Alabama wrecks over nine days

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says 21 people were killed in wrecks statewide over the nine-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

This year’s travel period ran from Saturday, November 23, to  Sunday, December 1.

During the nine-day period, state troopers say they investigated 473 traffic crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities. Nineteen individuals were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts; however, 10 individuals did not use them. One of the individuals killed was a pedestrian and another was a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

The deadly crashes occurred in Baldwin, Cherokee, Clay, Colbert, Coosa, Dekalb, Elmore, Fayette, Geneva, Lee, Madison, Marion, Mobile, Perry, Pike, Tuscaloosa and Washington counties.

Additionally, ALEA Troopers issued 5,264 citations and 2,730 warnings, along with making 60 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests. The top contributing factors in these tragic events include speeding, driving impaired and the absence of seat belt usage.

“The loss of 21 lives during what is meant to be a joyous holiday season is devastating,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Each number represents a loved one whose absence will be felt deeply this Christmas and New Year. As we transition into yet another highly traveled period, please
remember that the messages surrounding traffic safety are critical and awareness can help us save lives.”

ALEA says it will continue to enforce laws designed to protect lives on Alabama’s highways. The Agency’s ‘12 Days of Safety’
campaign will launch on Saturday, Dec. 21, and run through the New Year on Jan. 1, 2025.

— Information from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency