2015 SEES RISE IN NUMBER OF THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAFFIC FATALITIES

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama state troopers investigated seven fatal traffic crashes that killed nine people during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier says alcohol was a factor in at least one of the crashes. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported fatal crashes in Escambia, Geneva, Lauderdale, Limestone, Macon, Mobile and Talladega counties, including one motorcyclist who was wearing a helmet.

Collier says only two of the people killed in vehicles were wearing seat belts and reminded drivers to use restraints every time they get in a vehicle.

The holiday travel period runs from Wednesday to Sunday.

Last year, officials reported six people had died during the holiday including two people who died in an ATV crash.