Alabama saw 25 traffic deaths over the holiday season - "disturbing" increase from previou
(WEAR) - Alabama law enforcement is investigating 25 traffic deaths across the state over the holiday season. From Dec. 18 - Jan. 1, the 25 deadly crashes occurred in Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Cleburne, Cullman, Elmore, Greene, Jackson, Jefferson, Limestone, Mobile, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Talladega and Tuscaloosa counties. That total consists of 15 drivers, four passengers, five pedestrians and one motorcyclist. Nineteen of the individuals were in vehicles equipped with seat belts, but only four of them were restrained. Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said, “One fatal crash is bad, but to have 20 fatal crashes resulting in 25 deaths is disturbing, particularly when seat belts were available to 19 of the individuals killed, but only four of them were buckled up.” Col. John E. Richardson of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety said the motoring public must do better to ensure everyone in vehicles is using seat belts or child restraints. “It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling hundreds of miles or just running down to the corner gas station. Seat belts save lives,” he said. With fewer Alabama troopers patrolling the roads due to budget shortfalls, troopers are spending more time being reactive than proactive. The ALEA is relying heavily on the public to take the initiative to buckle up and obey traffic laws. “As the new year progresses,” Collier said, “Troopers encourage everyone to make highway safety a priority -- particularly when temperatures dip below freezing and ice may be present on roadways.” During the 2014 holiday safety initiative period, 19 traffic fatalities occurred. Vehicles were equipped with seat belts for 16 of the 19 individuals killed, but only four were using them.