Multiple-vehicle wreck at Dodge City exit snarls southbound I-65 traffic

Alabama State Troopers investigated 23 traffic fatalities over the busy extended holiday travel period that closed out 2017 and ushered in the new year.

This season’s 23 highway deaths mark a number lower than last year’s 31 fatalities, even though the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) projected this year’s holiday travel season to be the busiest in the state’s history.

The deaths came during the 17-day period spanning Christmas break through the end of New Year’s, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 through midnight Monday, Jan. 1.

The numbers reflect only those accidents worked by state troopers, and do not include traffic incidents handled by local law enforcement agencies statewide.

According to troopers, traffic fatalities occurred in Autauga, Baldwin, Calhoun, Choctaw, Colbert, Coosa, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dallas, DeKalb, Escambia, Geneva, Limestone, Mobile, Russell, St. Clair, Shelby and Washington counties.