As the year winds down and holiday traffic remains heavy, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is in the middle of its annual 12 Days of Safety campaign, a seasonal effort focused on reducing crashes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The campaign began Sunday, December 21, and runs through New Year’s Day, placing daily emphasis on common driving risks seen between Christmas and the start of January. For truck drivers still running loads this week, that means increased enforcement, frequent safety messaging, and added attention on behaviors that often lead to preventable crashes.
ALEA describes the effort as a festive, interactive public safety initiative designed to keep everyone safe from the first day of winter through New Year’s Day.
Holiday Safety Messages With a Serious Goal
Through daily social media posts, photos, videos, and reminders, ALEA says it is working to combine holiday cheer with life saving messages aimed at reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
“This time of year should be about making memories, not responding to tragedies that could have been prevented,” said ALEA Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor. “Our 12 Days of Safety campaign is meant to be engaging and lighthearted, but the message is serious simple, smart decisions save lives. We want everyone to arrive safely and start the new year surrounded by the people they love.”
For professional drivers, the message is familiar. The stretch between Christmas and New Year’s consistently brings heavier traffic, impaired drivers, increased distractions, and fatigue across long days on the road.
Daily Themes Drivers Are Seeing This Week
Each day of the campaign focuses on a specific safety topic aligned with how people typically travel, shop, and celebrate during the holidays. As of December 29, the campaign is already well underway.
- Day 1 December 21
Know Before You Go
Winter officially begins with reminders to check weather, vehicle readiness, and road conditions. - Day 2 December 22
Merry and Bright but Alert
Staying visible and aware in busy parking lots, shopping areas, and crosswalks. - Day 3 December 23
Take It Easy on the Eggnog
Planning ahead, choosing sober rides, and avoiding impaired driving. - Day 4 December 24
Don’t Be a Grinch Behind the Wheel
Patience, courtesy, and sharing the road as holiday travel peaks. - Day 5 December 25
Buckle Up Buttercup
Seat belt reminders for every seat, every trip. - Day 6 December 26
Don’t Drive in a Holidaze
Recognizing fatigue and preventing drowsy driving after long days and late nights. - Day 7 December 27
No After Holiday Deals Behind the Wheel
A reminder to put phones down and avoid distracted driving during post holiday errands and New Year’s travel. - Day 8 December 28
Precious Cargo
Ensuring children are properly secured in age and weight appropriate car seats. - Day 9 December 29
Finding the Right Seat for Safety
Booster seat reminders for children who have outgrown car seats but still need protection. - Day 10 December 30
Give the Gift of Safety
Teen driver reminders, including Alabama’s Graduated Driver License law. - Day 11 December 31
Some Accessories Don’t Go with Your Party Dress
New Year’s Eve impaired driving prevention and safe celebration reminders. - Day 12 January 1
Oh, Deer
Extra caution on rural roads, especially at night, due to increased wildlife activity.
Several of these themes overlap directly with what truck drivers encounter daily, including distracted motorists, impaired drivers, fatigue, and increased wildlife movement on rural routes.
Enforcement Continues Through Early January
While the campaign emphasizes education and prevention, ALEA has stated enforcement remains a major part of the effort.
“All available ALEA troopers will be actively patrolling roadways statewide from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, focusing on deterring dangerous driving behaviors such as impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations, the release stated. In the Montgomery area and surrounding communities, ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation and the Montgomery Area Crime Suppression unit will continue targeted enforcement efforts, including traffic stops and proactive patrols in high crime areas.”
For drivers hauling freight through Alabama, this means a visible law enforcement presence through the end of the year and into the first days of January.
A Message Based on What Troopers See
ALEA officials say the campaign reflects what troopers regularly witness during holiday travel periods.
“ALEA Troopers see firsthand how quickly a moment of celebration can turn into a lifetime of loss,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. “Every reminder we share during this campaign is driven by one goal zero lives lost. If these messages cause even one person to slow down, buckle up or make a safer choice, then this effort has made a real difference.”
As New Year’s Eve approaches, ALEA continues urging motorists to plan ahead, drive sober, stay alert, and share the road responsibly reminders truck drivers know can make the difference between a routine trip and a dangerous situation.
Source: The Trucker
