Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Amanda Dean

Special to The Lowndes Signal

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is expecting an increase in traffic volume during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend and urges travelers to prioritize safe driving. For the safety of all motorists and construction and maintenance workers, ALDOT announces no temporary lane closures will take place on Alabama interstates from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7.

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and remain undistracted and responsible while traveling during the holiday and throughout the summer travel season. Drivers planning their holiday travel route can find Alabama traffic and road condition information, including traffic camera feeds at ALGOtraffic.com or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app.

Eliminate Distractions – ALDOT is asking drivers to put safety first during the heavily traveled holiday period and to remember that Alabama has a hands-free law. This new law allows drivers to make or receive phone calls using “hands-free” technology such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the vehicle, as long as drivers don’t hold or support the device. Drivers are allowed to answer a call with a single button or swipe of a finger. Focus on the road by avoiding all distractions. If you must hold your device, pull over to a safe location and park your car before using your phone.

Buckle Up –The best defense against injury in the event of a crash is being properly restrained. Seatbelts reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities. Always ensure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt properly.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, NHTSA.gov, has details to help make sure children are safely positioned in the right car seat.

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

Slow Down – The likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities in the event of a crash increases when a driver is speeding. Ability to react to the unexpected can also be compromised when going too fast. ALDOT encourages drivers to pay attention to speed limits and abide by them.

Highway Travel Planning Tool

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