This weekend, as the festivities kick off, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) believes the “12 Days of Safety” campaign is essential for those traveling this holiday season.  The initiative officially begins on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, and runs through New Year’s Day. This annual campaign serves as a holiday countdown aimed at promoting safe driving habits and ensuring that your most cherished gift this season is arriving home safely. 

With the busy holiday season upon us, ALEA invites all Alabama residents and visitors to take a moment to prioritize safety on the roads. During these twelve days, Agency officials will be sharing essential tips through social media, community events, and press releases focusing on five key areas encompassing risky driving behaviors: seat belt usage, distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and staying alert around commercial motor vehicles. 

“We believe that being responsible behind the wheel is the best gift you can give your family this holiday season,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “Whether you’re driving to a holiday gathering or heading home after a night out, keeping yourself and others safe is the greatest gift of all.” 

In Fiscal Year 2024, which began on Oct. 1, 2023, and ended on Sept. 30, 2024, ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division worked 32,308 crashes that resulted in 7,357 injuries and 490 fatalities. ALEA Troopers issued 283,509 citations and 143,662 warnings to reduce crashes, specifically those that could result in injury or death. 

Colonel Jonathan Archer, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) director, said, “The tragic loss of life in traffic crashes across our state is a heartbreaking reality. We must act now to prevent these avoidable tragedies and protect our fellow Alabamians. Speeding, seat belt usage, distracted and impaired driving are all top contributors in recent crashes. This is why we urge motorists, as well as passengers, to join us in this important campaign, have conversations with your teens and loved ones, and help us spread this critical safety message. While we have created this unique and interactive campaign, we have done so to emphasize the serious consequences of dangerous driving behaviors that alter the lives of those traveling on our roads.”  

Below is a preview of what’s to come during the “12 Days of Safety”: 

**Day 1: Know Before you Go and winterize your vehicle** – Saturday, Dec. 21, is the first official day of Winter! Make sure your vehicle is prepared by reviewing our checklist. Check it twice and be sure to check the forecast for road conditions before you leave the house for the holidays.  

**Day 2: Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time** – Emphasizing the importance of seat belts, we’ll remind everyone that wearing a seat belt is the simplest way to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

**Day 3: Don’t Find Your Holiday Shopping Deals Behind the Wheel** – Reminders to put down the phone and avoid other distractions during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 

**Day 4: Take it Easy on the Eggnog** – Tips on finding safe alternatives and how to plan ahead to avoid drunk and impaired driving will be highlighted to keep our roads safe. 

**Day 5: Oh, Deer! Remain Extra Cautious on Rural Roads this Year** – Tips to remember while driving in rural areas, especially at night.  

**Day 6: Watch for Big Rigs** – Stay safe around commercial motor vehicles by knowing how to share the road responsibly with 18-wheelers. 

**Day 7: Remain Alert and Bright** – Many citizens may plan to hit the stores for the after Christmas sales. We will share tips for motorists and pedestrians to remain safe and seen while crossing roadways or walking in crowded parking lots.  

**Day 8: Slow Down for Holiday Cheer** – As tensions rise and schedules tighten, speeding can lead to catastrophic consequences. We will remind everyone to take it slow, for themselves and others. 

**Day 9: Don’t let Drowsy Driving Ruin Your Holidays** – We will share the signs of fatigue and how to avoid drowsy driving during the holiday season.  

**Day 10: Give the Gift of Safety** – Did your teen get a new vehicle recently? The holiday break is a wonderful time for your teens to catch up with hometown friends, but we will post safety reminders to review with your teens, as well as the State’s Graduated Driver License Law (GDL) reminders.  

**Day 11: Don’t Drive if You are Tipsy, Buzzed or Blitzed** – New Year’s Eve is often a time for gatherings and celebration, however, driving impaired could end in tragedy before the New Year begins.  We will share safety tips on how to celebrate responsibly as we head into 2025.  

**Day 12: Remain Patient and Courteous while Heading Home** – Many citizens will be heading home once the holidays are over, so please remember to share the roads and remain patient so everyone makes it back to their destination safely.  

Each day will bring a new safety focus, and we encourage everyone to participate by sharing their commitment to safe driving with the hashtag #12DaysOfSafety. Join us as we create a ripple effect of safety awareness throughout Alabama this holiday season! 

For more information and tips throughout the campaign, follow ALEA on our social media platforms @ALEAProtects and visit our website at www.alea.gov.