ALEA urges safety for Labor Day

Published 5:13 pm Friday, August 29, 2014

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is making safety a priority this Labor Day.

During the holiday period, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and ends at midnight Sept. 1, the ALEA encourages everyone to take special care while celebrating at home, traveling the state’s roadways or enjoying time on the water.

ALEA officers across the state will work together to create a highly visible enforcement presence intended to prevent crimes and violations that lead to deaths and injuries.

The public should expect officers, even in unmarked vehicles, to make enforcement stops on roadways and waterways.

“We will work together to protect the public and promote safety this Labor Day weekend,” Spencer Collier, Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement, said in a release. “We ask you, the public, to assist us in making this a safe holiday.”

ALEA members remind the public to:

• Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage use of alcoholic beverages.

• Pay attention to speed limits and driving conditions on the road, and obey boating laws on the water.

• Watch out for swimmers and other boaters.

• Watch for debris in the water or on roadways.

• Use seat belts and child restraints in motor vehicles and life vests on the water.

• Take care when using grills, never leaving them unattended and placing them a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

• Keep children and pets from potential danger by designating a 3-foot “safe zone” around the grill.

• Pay attention to weather conditions, particularly when it involves thunder and lightning.

In addition, ABC Enforcement is set to launch its compliance campaign to reduce point-of-sales access of alcohol and tobacco products to underage individuals.