Days after the "Take Back the Highways" campaign, Alabama's state troopers are getting ready for the last major travel period of the summer season.
They plan to crackdown on speeding, impaired driving, and seatbelt wearing during Labor Day weekend. "Task Force Zero," special trooper units targeting impaired drivers, will also be throughout the state.
Sheriff Andy Hughes says several checkpoints will be held throughout Houston County during the holiday weekend. Dothan Police Chief John Powell says increased patrols will be used inside the city limits.
According to the State Department of Public Safety, traffic deaths are down 20% this year. Thats a decrease in more than 100 fatalities.
More than half of the traffic deaths reported by state troppers last year in Alabama were alcohol related.
"The legal limit in the state of Alabama is .08," says Cpl. Sam Pickett with the State Troopers. "So the average male who has 2-3 drinks in an hour or 2 hour period, potentially they could be over that legal limit and that means you could go to jail for DUI."