MONTGOMERY – Drivers taking to Alabama roads during the Fourth of July holiday should plan for increased traffic and allow extra time to reach their destinations. As an added precaution during the heavily traveled holiday, the Alabama Department of Transportation announced Tuesday there would be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates after noon on Friday, July 1, through midnight, Monday, July 4.
Risky Behaviors Contributing to Fatal Crashes
With the increased number of vehicles on the road during the Fourth of July holiday period, there is less room to make driving errors. Staying alert and avoiding risky behaviors while driving is always important.
The top two risky behaviors involved in fatal crashes on Alabama roads are:
– Speeding
– Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Motorists are six times more likely to die in a crash when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is involved, as shown in studies sponsored by ALDOT. Designating a sober driver before drinking is key to preventing these deadly crashes.
Alabama is ranked 12th in the nation for speeding-related traffic fatalities. To reduce those fatalities, drivers must consider road, weather and vehicle conditions, as well as their own physical condition when deciding how fast to drive. For example, driving the speed limit on a rainy day might not be reasonable, since there is an increased risk of hydroplaning and losing control of the vehicle.
Surviving a crash is more likely when wearing a seat belt. Latest stats from Drive Safe Alabama show that 58 percent of people dying in crashes on Alabama highways were not wearing seat belts.
Motorists planning their holiday travel route can find traffic information and traffic cameras at http://www.algotraffic.com/atis/html/index.html. A listing of emergency lane closures and permanent lane or bridge closures is available under the Road Conditions tab on the ALDOT website at http://www.dot.state.al.us/.
