The Alexander City Outlook

The Alabama State Troopers “Take Back Our Highways” campaign seems to be working as 17 fewer fatalities have been reported this year compared to the same time period last year.oral

Troopers concluded the most recent campaign, which took place over the Thanksgiving holiday, Sunday morning.

During this period Troopers investigated 412 crashes, which resulted in 185 injuries and six fatalities, according to a statement from the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

Troopers statewide made 144 DUI arrests over the long weekend and issued 3,087 citations for speeding and 793 seat belt and child restraint violations.

“It’s not just extra troopers out there writing tickets for the heck of it,” said Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Robyn Litchfield. “They’re focusing on violations that often lead to crashes.”

There were a total of 497 trooper-worked crashes reported up to this point last year, compared to only 480 so far this year, Litchfield said.

The local trooper post reported investigating five total crashes and two DUI arrests.

Trooper-worked fatalities have dropped for four consecutive years. Fatalities decreased by 62 in 2007, 131 in 2008 and 94 in 2009.

“The program is designed to save lives and increase awareness of safety,” Litchfield said of  “Take Back Our Highways.”