The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued a statement Monday, urging motorists to travel safely during the holiday season and designating Thursday through Jan. 1 as the “12 Days of Safety.”

According to the statement, holiday travel ramps up in late November and continues to remain heavy through mid-January as families travel to celebrate the holidays. The 12 days surrounding Christmas day represent the highest traffic concentration and the agency advises motorists to slow down and prepare for trips to ensure everyone arrives safely.

“The days leading up to Christmas through New Year’s Day are a wonderful time for celebration and happiness, as this is truly a season to cherish with friends and family,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “However, we all must remember the hazards associated with traveling during this busy time of year. 

“Whether it is preparing your vehicle for long trips and changing weather conditions to being smart while driving defensively on short trips, we strongly encourage motorists to be aware and take full advantage of the tips within this safety message.”

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and continuing until midnight on New Year’s Day, ALEA Troopers will conduct enforcement activities like driver license and equipment checkpoints to curb deadly behaviors such as driving under the influence, driving while distracted, not buckling up, speeding, and following too closely.

“The official holiday travel period begins on Saturday, Dec. 24 and ends Sunday Jan. 1,” said ALEA Sgt. Jeremy Burkett “Our ‘12 Days of Safety’ social media campaign will run from Thursday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.”

The Agency will launch the online “12 Days of Safety” to share tips and information on risky driving behaviors and their potential consequences with a focus on impaired driving and speeding.

“Traveling over the posted speed limit and driving impaired continue to be leading contributing factors behind crashes during holiday travel periods,” said Col. Jimmy Helms, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. “ALEA continues to stress the importance of following all traffic laws, but especially obeying all posted speed limits. It is also extremely critical to understand and remember, if you plan to ring in the New Year, you must celebrate responsibly. While rejoicing in the holiday activities, it’s vital that everyone use a designated driver or some type of a ride-sharing service because ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division will have a zero tolerance for impaired drivers this holiday travel period.”

To view ALEA’s top holiday safety driving tips, visit alea.gov.