State troopers begin Memorial Day weekend blitz

State troopers begin Memorial Day weekend blitz

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BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

Prepare to see extra troopers on interstates beginning Friday. The troopers will be checking for people speeding, not wearing seatbelts and driving drunk.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety says so far 214 people died in accidents on Alabama interstates this year. Of those 214, 98 were not wearing their seatbelts.  

State troopers want to make sure that number does not increase this Memorial Day weekend.  Thanks to federal grants, they are putting their ‘Click It or Ticket' campaign into full effect.  They are also looking for DUI's, aggressive driving and speeding.  

Troopers say, along with help of speed detection devices, they are skilled at spotting many of these violations. when it comes to buckling up, troopers say don't just do it, do it right.

"I've wrote several tickets today of people wearing seatbelts under their armpit," says Corporal Steve Smith. "It has got to be used the proper way. The momentum carries you forward and the airbag is coming out at terminal speeds."

The fine for wearing your seatbelt incorrectly is the same as not wearing it at all.  The minimum fine is $10. The more tickets you get, the more that cost increases.

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