ALEA reminds residents of the importance of driving sober this holiday weekend

ALABAMA ( WHNT ) — Many people across the Tennessee Valley celebrated the 4th of July, but holiday travel will continue through the weekend and officials are reminding people of the importance of driving sober.

Over 60 million people will be traveling on the roadway this holiday weekend according to AAA and being responsible while doing so should be a top priority.

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In 2022, nearly 500 people died in traffic crashes during the July 4th Holiday weekend with 40% of those deaths a result of drunk driving , according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says driving under the influence can cause lives to change instantly for everyone involved.

"When you drink and drive, it's a dangerous thing to operate a vehicle," Bailey said. "It tests your physical capabilities and your mental capabilities and when you drink it alters that."

While ALEA will have troopers throughout the state patrolling the roadways, the Huntsville Police Department will have a number of active DUI checkpoints this holiday weekend to encourage safe travel.

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Bailey explained how driving sober can save lives. The senior trooper wants everyone to have a fun and safe holiday weekend. However, if you're planning on having a few drinks, he recommends having someone to drive you home.

"What you do in life it always never effects you directly, but it effects other people indirectly so you have to consider that," Bailey told News 19. "You think you could make it, but consider there's other people on the roadway as well that's just trying to enjoy their holiday and get back home to their loved ones."

A list those DUI checkpoint locations in Huntsville for the holiday weekend can be found here.