With the potential for winter weather impacts across Alabama this weekend, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging motorists statewide to prepare now and remain alert for hazardous road conditions, including black ice and slick roadways, as forecasts continue to evolve.
While exact impacts may shift before the weekend, freezing temperatures combined with rain or moisture could create dangerous driving conditions for several days beginning on Friday, Jan. 23 in the northern portion of the state, before expanding to other areas.
“Black ice is one of the most dangerous hazards drivers face because it’s often invisible,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Roads may look wet but can be slick in an instant, especially overnight and during early morning hours. Preparing now and adjusting travel plans, in addition to practicing safe driving behaviors, can prevent serious crashes.”
ALEA encourages motorists to take time now to prepare their vehicles and emergency supplies before conditions deteriorate, including:
• Keep your gas tank full.
• Pack an emergency supply kit with a blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit and basic necessities.
• Carry a fully charged cell phone and a vehicle charger.
• Check antifreeze levels, tires and overall vehicle condition before the weather arrives.
• Use windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.
Drivers should also understand that hazardous conditions are not limited to snow-covered roads.
“In Central and South Alabama, rain combined with freezing temperatures can create slick roadways just as dangerous as ice or snow,” said Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), Colonel Jonathan Archer. “Bridges, overpasses, shaded areas and elevated roadways can freeze quickly, turning a routine drive into a serious risk.”
ALEA reminds motorists of the following driving safety tips for winter, wet and slick conditions:
• Avoid travel when hazardous conditions develop, if possible.
• Slow down and increase following distance on wet, icy or slick roads.
• Avoid using cruise control or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and traffic jam assist in rain, freezing temperatures or icy conditions.
• Use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses, which freeze before other roadways.
• Be alert for changing conditions, especially overnight and early morning.
• Turn on headlights during rain or reduced visibility and remain alert for emergency vehicles and first responders.
ALEA will be closely monitoring roadway conditions and coordinating with partner agencies, including the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), and the Alabama National Guard (ALNG) as conditions develop across the state.
Motorists are encouraged to check current road conditions at algotraffic.com and to follow ALEA on social media (@ALEAProtects) for the latest updates. ALEA’s platforms provide timely information directly from ALEA Troopers on the ground, Public Communications Officers (PCOs), and emergency management partners regarding road conditions, closures and safety advisories.
“When conditions change quickly, getting information from trusted sources matters,” Secretary Taylor added. “Resources such as ALGO Traffic and our Agency’s social media channels help ensure citizens receive real-time updates from those responding in the field.”
ALEA will continue to work with media partners to share updates and safety information as forecasts are refined.
