ADPS campaign reduces traffic fatalities

By Staff
While no one likes receiving a traffic citation, we applaud the "Take Back Our Highways" campaign currently underway by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
Beginning last Monday, 125 additional state troopers have been patrolling Alabama highways in an effort to reduce drunken driving, seat belt violations and aggressive driving, and the trooper blitz will continue through Sunday.
According to the ADPS, "Take Back Our Highways" has saved more 150 lives since first being introduced last August.
"Too many Alabamians die or are seriously injured on our roadways in preventable crashes," said Col. J. Christopher Murphy, director of the ADPS. "Too many motorists are the victims of drunken drivers, and fully two-thirds of the fatality victims troopers have responded to this year were not using seat belts."
Programs like this one might prevent tragedies such as the one involving a drunk driver who died after crossing an intersection near Dothan and killing former Alabama football player Siran Stacy's wife, Ellen, and four of their five children.
"Take Back Our Highways" is clearly working to save lives," Gov. Bob Riley said. "We want the people of Alabama to understand that when they travel, their safety is our number one concern."