The official Fourth of July travel period began July 3 and ended July 7, and AAA forecasts proved correct that a record number of people took to our highways during the holiday.

Sadly, other forecasts involving fatalities also proved accurate, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated nine traffic deaths and three drowning deaths (non-boating) during the period. Of the traffic deaths, six were drivers, one was a passenger and two were motorcyclists. Of the seven safety restraint-equipped vehicle fatalities, only one person had been buckled up.

We commend ALEA troopers in their efforts to curb such fatalities — and the first responders who offered their holiday to care for others — and those efforts were significant.

During the holiday, troopers conducted numerous driver license checkpoints and participated in national campaigns such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Operation Dry Water,” in an intensified effort to reduce crashes, deter speeding and remove impaired drivers from Alabama’s roadways and waterways.

Troopers assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division investigated 206 traffic crashes, made 48 DUI arrests, issued 2,429 citations for speeding and issued 1,211 citations for seat belts and/or improper child restraints.

Troopers assigned to ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated 14 boating incidents, made 14 BUI arrests, issued 206 Marine Safety citations and issued 852 Marine Safety Warnings.

Troopers also conducted 671 vessel inspections and patrolled 36 marine related events across the state, many of which were firework shows over the water.

But even all of this wasn’t enough to prevent those 12 fatalities, and that’s because the foundation of such life-saving must begin with us — those taking to the roads, waterways and sky.

As ALEA’s Department of Public Safety director Colonel Jonathan Archer said, “Our jobs are never done. With the increase in summer activities and travel, it is imperative that safety remains a top priority for everyone. Please remember to wear your seat belts, put down your phone and other distractions, and never operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Archer is right, but he didn’t stop there — still more is being done. Troopers will continue to work to enforce traffic and boating laws to protect the lives of all Alabamians and its visitors, the director said. And ALEA is continuing its “101 Days of Summer Safety” educational campaign and the Rescue Swimmer Detail on the Gulf Coast. It will also kick off “Rural Road Safety Awareness Week” on July 15, and will also be joining Georgia for a joint safety initiative known as “Operation Southern Slow Down” on the same day to focus on speeding and reckless driving.

These are stark and important reminders and cautions for all of us as we move deeper into summer.

But another reminder: Like many states, Alabama is now hands-free. When traveling, put away the distractions and concentrate on the job at hand. We can do better. Let’s stay safe, Alabama.