By STUART DYOS, Alabama Daily News
There were 560 traffic fatalities on Alabama roadways in 2023, a decline of 26 compared to 2022, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Wednesday.
“2023 marks the second year we have seen an overall reduction in lives lost on Alabama roadways and we have already begun implementing plans and initiatives ensuring that trend continues in 2024,” Colonel Jon Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, said in a written statement.
“Our goal is to make Alabama roadways – and waterways – as safe as possible, and we work daily to prevent traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities.”
There were 31,717 auto crashes in 2023, and of those, 11,070 resulted in injuries, while 560 were fatal. Compared to 2022, crashes declined by 273, while injuries increased by 156.
“I would like to personally thank the public for sharing our safety messages and their assistance in making our roadways safer for everyone,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “However, while we are constantly striving to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on our roadways, our work at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is never done.”
To spread awareness about safe driving habits, during the holiday season ALEA implemented its 12 Days of Safety Initiative. The program covered all aspects of roadway safety, such as vehicle preparation, seat belt safety and risky driving behaviors, among other topics.
“Please understand ALEA Troopers who make traffic stops and enforce Alabama’s laws are attempting to save lives,” Archer said. “Those laws are to protect each citizen and visitor of this great state and reduce fatal tragedies.”