During this past Christmas and New Year’s Day enforcement period that began at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, and ran through midnight Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, Alabama State Troopers investigated 17 traffic deaths.

Eight drivers, eight passengers and one pedal cyclist were killed in traffic crashes that occurred in Bullock, Chambers, Cherokee, DeKalb, Escambia, Franklin, Jackson, Macon, Marengo, Marshall and Talladega counties. Although seat belts were available for 16 of the 17 individuals killed, only four of those 16 were using seat belts at the time of the crashes. Troopers continue to investigate these fatal incidents, but preliminary investigation indicates alcohol was a factor in five of the 17 deaths.

During the same 12-day period for 2012-2013, troopers investigated 15 traffic deaths. As the new year progresses, troopers encourage the motoring public to continue to obey all traffic laws and make safety a priority, particularly when temperatures dip below freezing and ice may be present on roadways.