The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has announced it will assign additional Alabama State Troopers to Alabama’s roadways as more motorists are expected to travel through the days leading up to Christmas to the first of the new year.

Troopers will heighten patrols and enforcement from 12:01 a.m. Dec. 16 to midnight Jan. 1, 2017.  Grant funding from ADECA and ALDOT will enable ALEA to bolster traffic safety efforts and provide additional patrol shifts during the holiday travel period.

ALEA is encouraging drivers to obey traffic laws; require everyone in the vehicle to buckle up and/or use child-restraint systems; avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs; avoid texting and other distractions while driving; and avoid following too closely.

The motoring public’s assistance will be of great value, Secretary of Law Enforcement Stan Stabler said, particularly when it comes to avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. During the 2015 holiday travel period, troopers arrested 475 individuals for DUI.

“Please help us spread our holiday traffic safety message,” Stabler said. “Doing your part could save a life – and that life could be yours or a loved one’s.”