By Staff
Special to the standard
Alabama state troopers estimate that 19 people will be killed in traffic crashes in Alabama during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The 102-hour travel period begins at 6 p.m. today and ends at midnight Sunday, Nov. 26.
Last year 19 people died in motor vehicle crashes throughout the state during the holiday travel period. Troopers said 10 of the vehicle occupants killed were not wearing safety belts, and alcohol was a factor in at least three of the fatal crashes.
Traffic crashes kill more than a thousand people in Alabama each year, with more than half not using restraints.
All available troopers will be on duty patrolling Alabama's rural roads to ensure compliance with traffic laws and to serve as visible reminders to motorists to drive safely. Troopers urge holiday travelers to buckle up on every trip, obey speed limits, drive defensively (expect the unexpected), and never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Troopers in Alabama and state patrols throughout the United States are placing extra emphasis on highway safety during Thanksgiving as members of Operation C.A.R.E., Combined Accident Reduction Effort. C.A.R.E. is a joint effort by these agencies to reduce the incidence of crashes, deaths and injuries during selected holiday periods through intensive enforcement of traffic laws and safety education efforts.