By Staff
From staff reports
Alabama’s state troopers are conducting extra patrols through the holiday weekend, anticipating heavy traffic continuing through today and Sunday.
Along with routine patrols, troopers will conduct special enforcement operations such as line patrols, checkpoints and laser speed details throughout the 78-hour period from 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, through midnight Sunday, July 5.
Public Safety Director Col. J. Christopher Murphy urged motorists to be courteous and patient in the holiday traffic and to remain focused on the task of driving.
Murphy reminded holiday travelers to be aware of their surroundings and watchful for actions of other motorists, to signal when turning or changing lanes and to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and other vehicles.
Last year during the 78-hour July Fourth holiday travel period, 16 people lost their lives in traffic crashes in Alabama. At least three of the deaths were alcohol-related, and 11 of the crash victims were not using safety restraints. 
Murphy also asked motorists to be alert to the many troopers and other first responders who will be working during the holiday weekend. “Remember that state law requires motorists to safely move over one lane or to slow down when moving over isn’t possible upon passing emergency vehicles stopped roadside with emergency lights activated.”