WEIS Radio | Local and regional news, sports and weather »ALDOT encourages motorists to plan their vacation trips in advance

In anticipation of an increase in vacation travel, the Alabama Department of Transportation will not have temporary lane closures on Alabama freeways from Friday, Dec. 24 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, Dec. 26 at 11:59 p.m. The following weekend, there will be no temporary road closures from Friday, December 31 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, January 2 at 11:59 p.m.

ALDOT restricts road works and lane closures for the safety of the traveling public, road construction workers and maintenance workers.

“Give the gift of safe driving to your passengers and others on the road this holiday season,” said Allison Green, Drive Safe Alabama coordinator at ALDOT. “Safe driving starts with making sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. Almost 60% of people who died in car crashes in Alabama in 2020 were not wearing seat belts. “

AAA expects nearly 100 million car travelers this year, about 28% more than last year. Following the spectacular drop in road trips in 2020, this year traffic figures will return to almost record volumes. ALDOT encourages those traveling on Alabama’s roads to plan ahead, allow extra time to reach their destination, and drive alert and free from distractions.

ALDOT offers these tips for safe driving this holiday season:

Buckle up your belt – Using a seat belt is the easiest and most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in an accident.

Drive sober – Just one drink before driving can put you and others at risk as alcohol impairs thinking, thinking and muscle coordination.

Plan ahead – Motorists planning their vacation itinerary can find information on traffic and road conditions in Alabama at www.ALGOtraffic.com or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app.