Troopers to be out over Labor Day weekend

Expect to see plenty of state troopers on Alabama roadways during the upcoming holiday weekend, which unofficially marks summer’s end.

Joining other law enforcement agencies across the state and the nation, all available troopers will be part of this year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over educational and enforcement campaign to promote highway safety. This year’s Labor Day holiday travel period will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, and run through midnight Monday, Sept. 2.

Troopers, however, will go a step further and continue their enforcement efforts through midnight Tuesday, Sept. 3, thanks to an Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant that will allow troopers to work additional shifts and conduct this safety campaign.

“Partnering with other law enforcement agencies is important, but it is our partnership with motorists that is key to a successful enforcement campaign and safe holiday weekend,” said Col. Hugh B. McCall, director of Public Safety and the state’s highest-ranking trooper.

McCall asks Alabamians to be part of this safety initiative by agreeing not to drive if they have been drinking alcohol and to insist loved ones do the same. It also is important to ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up each and every time.

In addition to stepping up enforcement during the extended holiday, McCall said Public Safety will be part of the National Passenger Carrier Strike Force, a program from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration designed to protect the public from unsafe motor-coach operators.