Transportation

The number of unrestrained fatalities continues to rise in Alabama

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, 1:23pm

The number of unrestrained fatalities continues to rise in Alabama

Crash activity reports from the Alabama Department of Public Safety show the number of people who died in vehicle crashes where seat belts were available and were not wearing seat belts increased from last month.

According to preliminary traffic crash data, there were 45 people killed in vehicle crashes investigated by state troopers in Alabama in April 2013 compared to 42 in March. Of that number, 37 were in vehicles where seat belts were available, and 26 victims were not wearing seat belts up from 20 in March. That’s six more deaths.

“Too many people continue to die in crashes because they are not wearing seat belts,” said Transportation Director John Cooper. “It’s a proven fact that buckling up every time we get behind the wheel or ride as a passenger helps save lives.

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Road and Bridge legislation passes house

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Friday, March 22nd, 2013, 12:48pm

Road and Bridge legislation passes house

The House of Representatives unanimously passed SB192 Wednesday, which would provide funds for repairing roads and bridges in rural areas. The bill will go back to the Senate for approval because of an amendment added in the House.

Sponsored by Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman, and Rep. Mac McCutcheon, R-Capshaw, the measure establishes the Rural Assistance Match Program (RAMP).

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AL Dept. of Public Safety reminds parent to stress safety during spring break

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013, 1:26pm

AL Dept. of Public Safety reminds parent to stress safety during spring break

With spring break season’s arrival comes heavier than usual traffic. The Alabama Department of Public Safety strongly encourages motorists – particularly young drivers and their parents -- to make highway safety a priority.

“Parents, let’s be proactive this spring break. Take time to sit down with your young drivers to discuss safety before heading to the beach or other spring break destinations, especially if your teens will be traveling with friends,” said Col. Hugh B. McCall, director of the Department of Public Safety and the state’s highest-ranking state trooper.

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Officers offer seven steps to safer spring break

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, March 7th, 2013, 3:12pm

Officers offer seven steps to safer spring break

As this year’s plans for spring break take shape, the members of Alabama’s Integrated State Law
Enforcement Task Force remind everyone -- particularly parents of school-age children -- to add safety to the list whether the family will be kicking back at home or traveling to the beach or other fun destinations.

SLE Task Force officers will work together to create a highly visible enforcement presence during spring break season intended to prevent crimes and violations that lead to deaths and injuries. All available personnel will combine forces with county and municipal agencies along Alabama’s gulf coast and across the state to conduct various details designed to enhance public safety and to enforce all laws, including traffic, boating and alcoholic beverage laws.

Officers urge everyone to keep in mind the following seven suggestions:

1. Make hotel/motel stay safe.

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AG announces $29 million settlement with Toyota

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, February 14th, 2013, 1:45pm

AG announces $29 million settlement with Toyota

Attorney General Luther Strange today joined 29 other states in announcing a $29 million settlement with Toyota Motor Corporation and its related North America entities over allegations that Toyota concealed safety issues related to unintended acceleration.

Toyota agreed to pay $29 million to settle consumer protection claims and has agreed to provide additional restitution and incentives to vehicle owners to promote compliance with unintended acceleration safety recalls.

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Elmore County lists road closings

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013, 12:40pm

ELMORE COUNTY

JUG FACTORY ROAD CLOSED FROM 3241 TO OWENS ROAD

THIS ROAD IS SOUTH OF ALABAMA HIGHWAY 14 BETWEEN WETUMPKA AND TALLASSEE ABOUT HALFWAY (SOUTH CENTRAL PART OF THE COUNTY)

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AL Dept. of Public Safety: More lives could be saved if people buckle up

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, February 7th, 2013, 1:13pm

AL Dept. of Public Safety: More lives could be saved if people buckle up

Preliminary data from crashes investigated by Alabama State Troopers indicates 59 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2012 were not wearing seat belts the time of their deaths state officials announced today.

For 2012, 514 people died in crashes investigated by troopers on Alabama’s rural, state, U.S. and interstate highways. Of those, 424 were in vehicles where seat belts were available, and 251 were not wearing seat belts. Crash data from crashes investigated by local law enforcement won’t be compiled until later this year, so the total number of fatalities, including the percentage not wearing seat belts is expected the climb even higher.

According to preliminary traffic crash data, there were 36 people killed in vehicle crashes investigated by state troopers in Alabama in January of 2013.

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