Latest news with #HalTaylor
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
ALEA sees 50% reduction in traffic-related deaths over 2025 Memorial Day holiday weekend: Report
ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said there were fewer lives lost during the 2025 Memorial Day Holiday Weekend than in 2024. ALEA sent out a news release Wednesday announcing a decrease in traffic and marine-related deaths for the 2025 Memorial Day holiday weekend. From Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26, ALEA Troopers investigated three traffic-related deaths, a 50% reduction from 6 traffic-related deaths in 2024. Marshall County EMA asking drivers to 'turn around, don't drown' on flooded county roads In addition to this, ALEA said there were zero boating deaths on Alabama's waterways, an improvement from one recorded during the 2024 holiday weekend. The fatal traffic crashes occurred in Pike, Morgan and Bibb counties, ALEA said. While the agency said it stresses that even one loss of life is one too many, the decline in fatalities on both the roadways and waterways is a positive milestone.'This year's numbers reflect progress, but we are reminded that each statistic represents a lifelost and families forever changed,' ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. 'Our goal is always zerofatalities, and we remain committed to enforcing traffic and boating laws, while educating thepublic on safe practices throughout the summer months.' The Memorial Day weekend also marked the official launch of ALEA's annual '101 Days ofSummer Safety' campaign, which runs through Labor Day. The agency said this campaign focuses on reducing crashes, fatalities, and injuries through increased enforcement and public outreach during the summer travel season. LOOKING FOR THE EXTENDED FORECAST? Click here to learn how to download the Live Alert 19 app 'Our Troopers in both Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol will be out in full force acrossAlabama to ensure everyone gets to their destinations and return home safely,' Secretary Tayloradded. 'We urge all motorists and boaters to do their part by staying alert, obeying laws, andnever operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence.' ALEA said there were increased patrols, driver license checkpoints, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries over the weekend. Here are some data points provided by the agency about the weekend: 726 vessel stops 1,084 Marine Safety Warnings issued 12 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests 104 warnings issued for Non-Residents Operating Without a License/Certification 104 warnings for Proximity Law Violations 5 Warnings for Wake Sport Violations 316 traffic crashes investigated 224 seat belt citations issued 1,899 citations issued for speeding 29 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests 'Despite these efforts, the Agency remains committed to enhancing its strategies and working with the community to promote safer driving and boating practices,' ALEA said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Alabama's Star ID to go into effect in May, according to ALEA
MONTGOMERY, Ala. () — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is reminding Alabama residents that the REAL ID Act, also known as the STAR ID, is expected to go into effect on May 7. ALEA says the REAL ID Act means Alabama citizens planning to fly domestic in the United States or enter certain federal facilities must have a REAL ID-compliant driver license or anotheracceptable form of identification, including a passport. 'Currently, citizens who fly domestic are able to use their regular driver licenses or other photoidentity cards issued by their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to board a plane,'said Holley Cook, Director of ALEA's Driver License Division. 'However, the REAL IDAct changes this. If you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver license to fly within the it must be REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025. In Alabama, the REAL ID is known as aSTAR ID.' According to ALEA, this law was passed in 2005 with an aim to enhance the security of state-issued identification documents in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 'The STAR ID and the REAL ID Act ensures the safe and secure identification of not onlyAlabamians, but citizens across the country,' said Hal Taylor, ALEA Secretary. 'While theSTAR ID is only one of a variety of acceptable identification options, we strongly encourageindividuals choosing to fly within the U.S. to take this step and obtain a STAR ID. Having aSTAR ID well before your travel date will guarantee a smooth and worry-free experience.' STAR IDs were offered to Alabamians statewide in 2012 to confirm those wishing to obtain an ID were able to before the federal deadline. ALEA says while a STAR ID is optional, travelers will need some form of federally accepted identification to board a domestic flight in the U.S., including a valid U.S. passport or other approved ID. 'If you don't plan to fly or plan on visiting certain federal facilities, including some military installations, then a STAR ID is not necessary,' said Cook. 'Your regular Alabama driver license will continue to be valid for driving, voting, and other everyday activities. It is completely up to the individual if they wish to get a STAR ID or not.' Those seeking more information about the STAR ID can visit ALEA's website or reach out to their nearest driver license exam office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
ALEA's ‘promposal' to students this prom season: Be Safe and Sober
ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wants to remind students of the importance of safe driving as the prom season approaches with its own 'promposal.' In an effort to educate teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving, distracted driving and substance use, ALEA is hosting several Prom Promise and mock crash events throughout April. Falkville police find 8.5 pounds of marijuana during traffic stop, man arrested ALEA said April is National Distracted Driving Month and these events are 'designed to highlight the serious and often devastating consequences of poor decision-making on the road.' 'Every year, far too many young lives are lost in preventable crashes. The purpose of these PromPromise and mock crash events is to ensure that students make responsible choices this promseason and beyond,' ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. 'We want teens to understand that theiractions behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences, not just for themselves but fortheir friends, families, and entire communities.' The Prom Promise campaign encourages teens to pledge to stay sober, stay safe and make responsible choices. Those who participate in the events will witness firsthand the 'emotional toll that impaired driving and distractions can have,' especially the impact it has on families, first responders and the community. Huntsville private school baseball program placed on probation for AHSAA violation ALEA said Troopers will be on hand at each event to discuss driving safety, answer questions and emphasize the importance of always wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions and more. 'Prom night should be a night of memories, joy, and accomplishment,' ALEA's Departmentof Public Safety Director (DPS), Colonel Jonathan Archer, said. 'By having teens and parents make a promise to drive safely and responsibly, teens can protect themselves and their loved ones from the devastating consequences of impaired or distracted driving.' In addition to this campaign, ALEA said it will also continue to host Fatal Vision events throughout the month. These hands-on events use special goggles to simulate the effects of drugs and alcohol. This special event gives students the opportunity to operate a small utility vehicle in a safe environment and see first-hand the dangers of driving impaired and distracted through a course lined with traffic cones. 'No matter what agency we serve or the uniform we wear as first responders, our goal is thesame during these events. To make a lasting impact, instill responsibility and save lives,'SBI Director Chris Inabinett said. 'We appreciate the assistance and coordination of our localpartners and school systems to make Prom Promise and Fatal Vision events a success.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
