MONTGOMERY — Spring break is a much-anticipated holiday for students, and state troopers are preparing for increased traffic on state roadways throughout the spring break season, according to Department of Public Safety Director Col. J. Christopher Murphy.
Troopers plan to ramp up patrols on interstates and other heavily traveled beach and vacation routes to promote travel safety during the period. Enforcement plans will include speed limit details – some incorporating laser speed detection devices (LIDAR) – and sobriety checkpoints.
Overtime grants administered by the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division of ADECA will help fund additional patrols during the holiday period.
“Driving with care and caution is a responsibility that impacts not just one’s personal safety, but the lives and safety of all others who share the roadways,” said Murphy. “Remember that texting and other distractions while driving can have disastrous results.” He also stressed the vital importance of driving sober and reminded motorists that troopers exercise a “zero tolerance” policy toward impaired driving.
Murphy cited a few tried-and-true safety rules to help ensure safe travel during the spring break period:
- Buckle up on each and every trip, whether it’s a trip to the beach, a friend’s house or a neighborhood store. Last year 63 percent of vehicle occupants killed in trooper-reported traffic crashes were not using seat belts;
- Obey speed limits and all other traffic laws;
- Don’t drink and drive; at best the consequences can be costly, and at worst, deadly;
- Avoid driver distractions; maintain focus on driving tasks, the roadway, other motorists, and your surroundings.
Murphy added that spring break is a popular time for teens to take the road skills test. He reminded those students who plan to take the test during spring break that they can avoid waits by scheduling an appointment. Appointments for the road skills test are available in Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Dothan and Opelika, and may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.
Appointments may be scheduled through the Department of Public Safety’s Web site, http://dps.alabama.gov, or by phone. Testing for walk-ins also is available at those offices and all other driver license examining sites statewide. Locations, schedules, and phone numbers are available on the Web site.