Troopers investigate 19 traffic deaths over holidays

Published 4:18 pm Friday, January 9, 2015

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Troopers investigated 19 traffic deaths across the state during the holiday period of Dec. 19, 2014 to Jan. 2.

There were no incidents reported in Chilton County, but the deadly crashes occurred in Cullman, Talladega, Marengo, Shelby, Coosa, Conecuh, Houston, Randolph, Limestone, Macon, Walker, Bullock and Barbour counties.

According to a release sent out by ALEA, the fatalities included 15 drivers, two adult pedestrians, a 3-year-old passenger, and an unrestrained 2-month-old passenger.

Only seven of the individuals were using seat belts, the release said.

Preliminary investigations indicate alcohol may have been a factor in at least three of the fatal incidents.

During the 2013 holiday period, Dec. 20, 2013, to Jan. 2, 2014, 17 individuals were killed.

Alcohol was a factor in five of those crashes, and only four of the individuals were wearing seatbelts.

ALEA State Troopers encourage the public to continue to obey all traffic laws and make safety a priority, particularly when temperatures dip below freezing and ice may be present on roadways.