Fourteen people are estimated to die in traffic accidents in Alabama this coming weekend.

Don’t let one of those statistics be you or a loved one.

This holiday weekend – the period between 6 p.m. Friday and midnight on Monday – state troopers will increase their presence on our roadways.

New Year’s weekend will also see an increase of patrols.

This is for your safety.

Drivers need to slow down and obey the speed limit.

There is no family get-together or holiday meal worth putting yourself or others at risk.

In addition, troopers will be doing driver’s license checks and targeting people that are driving under the influence of alcohol.

Troopers will strictly enforce the seat belt and child safety restraint laws as well.

Last year, 13 people died in traffic crashes on Alabama roadways during the Christmas travel period – 10 on rural roadways and three in metropolitan areas.

Alcohol was a factor in at least three of the deaths and eight of the crash victims were not wearing seat belts.

Ten people lost their lives during the New Year’s travel period – six on rural roadways and four in metropolitan areas. At least six of the deaths involved alcohol. Three of the crash victims were not wearing seat belts.

Make sure you and your family enjoy the holidays in a safe, responsible manner.