The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) will have extra state troopers on the state’s roadways as more motorists are expected to travel through the days leading up to Christmas to the first of the new year, according to a release.

“Less than a month ago, we announced Troopers investigated 14 traffic deaths during the five-day Thanksgiving travel period,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Stan Stabler said. “During the two-week holiday traveling period for last year’s Christmas and New Year’s, troopers investigated 26 traffic deaths.

“Again, we implore motorists to help us make our roadways safer for everyone,” he said.

Obey traffic laws, require everyone in the vehicle to buckle up and/or use child-restraint systems, avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, avoid texting and other distractions while driving, and avoid following too closely, Stabler said.

Troopers will heighten patrols and enforcement for a 17-day period, from 12:01 a.m. Fri., Dec. 16, to midnight on Sun., Jan. 1, 2017.

Grant funding from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will enable ALEA to bolster traffic safety efforts and provide additional patrol shifts during the holiday travel period.