ALDOT announces no temporary lane closures planned – Lowndes Signal

By Amanda Dean

Special for Lowndes signal

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is expecting increased traffic volumes during the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend and urges travelers to prioritize safe driving. For the safety of all motorists and construction and maintenance workers, ALDOT announces that there will be no temporary lane closures on Alabama highways from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7.

Travelers are advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and remain calm and responsible during the holidays and throughout the summer season. Drivers planning their holiday travel itinerary can find information on Alabama traffic and road conditions, including traffic camera feeds, at ALGOtraffic.com or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app.

Eliminate Distractions – ALDOT asks drivers to prioritize safety during the busy holiday season and to remember that Alabama has passed a hands-free law. This new law allows drivers to make or receive phone calls using “hands-free” technology like Bluetooth or in-vehicle systems, as long as drivers are not holding or supporting the device. Drivers are allowed to answer a call with the press of a single button or swipe of a finger. Concentrate on the road and avoid any distractions. If you must hold your device, pull over in a safe place and park your car before using your phone.

Buckle up – The best defense against injury in the event of an accident is to be properly restrained. Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury and death. Always make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seat belt correctly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website, NHTSA.gov, has information to help ensure children are placed safely in the correct car seat.

Avoid Impaired Driving – For the safety of all drivers and pedestrians, never get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other substance that could impair driving.

Slow Down – The likelihood of serious injury or death in a crash increases when a driver speeds. The ability to react to the unexpected can also be compromised when going too fast. ALDOT encourages drivers to pay attention to and obey posted speed limits.

Highway travel planning tool

Motorists planning their vacation itinerary can find information on traffic and road conditions in Alabama, including live traffic camera feeds, at www.ALGOtraffic.com or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app. The agency urges motorists to use ALGO Traffic responsibly. Drivers should never text, tweet or use a mobile device while operating a vehicle.