The House of Representatives unanimously passed SB192 Wednesday, which would provide funds for repairing roads and bridges in rural areas. The bill will go back to the Senate for approval because of an amendment added in the House. 
 
Sponsored by Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman, and Rep. Mac McCutcheon, R-Capshaw, the measure establishes the Rural Assistance Match Program (RAMP).

As this year’s plans for spring break take shape, the members of Alabama’s Integrated State Law
Enforcement Task Force remind everyone -- particularly parents of school-age children -- to add safety to the list whether the family will be kicking back at home or traveling to the beach or other fun destinations.

SLE Task Force officers will work together to create a highly visible enforcement presence during spring break season intended to prevent crimes and violations that lead to deaths and injuries. All available personnel will combine forces with county and municipal agencies along Alabama’s gulf coast and across the state to conduct various details designed to enhance public safety and to enforce all laws, including traffic, boating and alcoholic beverage laws.

Officers urge everyone to keep in mind the following seven suggestions:

1. Make hotel/motel stay safe.

Preliminary data from crashes investigated by Alabama State Troopers indicates 59 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2012 were not wearing seat belts the time of their deaths state officials announced today.

For 2012, 514 people died in crashes investigated by troopers on Alabama’s rural, state, U.S. and interstate highways. Of those, 424 were in vehicles where seat belts were available, and 251 were not wearing seat belts. Crash data from crashes investigated by local law enforcement won’t be compiled until later this year, so the total number of fatalities, including the percentage not wearing seat belts is expected the climb even higher.

According to preliminary traffic crash data, there were 36 people killed in vehicle crashes investigated by state troopers in Alabama in January of 2013.