ALEA urges motorists to drive with extreme caution

Weather forecasts are calling for a mix of wintry precipitation during the next 24 hours, with a mix of ice and snow across the state of Alabama. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency encourages motorists who absolutely must drive during the weather event to use extreme caution and to expect roadways and bridges/overpasses to be icy.

ALEA’s Troopers will be on standby to assist during and following the storm once conditions are safe to do so.

In addition, ALEA offers the following traffic safety tips:

• Do not utilize your vehicle’s cruise control. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially when crossing frozen or iced over bridges.

• Monitor local news for information on weather conditions and travel advisories and check road conditions at https://algotraffic.com/.

• Report traffic crashes or other emergencies by calling 911 or using a cell phone to dial *HP (*47) to reach the nearest Highway Patrol post.

• Remain alert for emergency vehicles and remember to obey Alabama’s “move over” law.

• Check antifreeze levels, use windshield washer solution suitable for freezing weather conditions and keep gas tanks at least half full.

• Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions and be aware of the possibility of icy and slippery roads.

• Unlike tornadoes or thunderstorms that can pop up in minutes, winter storms usually provide us with days to prepare. Advisories, watches and warnings are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the NWS. Stay connected with local news outlets as well as ALEA’s social media pages for updates on weather and road conditions.

• During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.

• Pay attention to bridges and overpasses, which tend to develop hazardous “black ice.”

• Keep a blanket, first aid kit, charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.

Before the Storm Tips:

• Create a family plan for winter emergencies and discuss how to stay safe in all conditions.

• Stay aware by monitoring the local forecast via radio, TV, internet or smartphone alerts.

• Check both your home and your car’s emergency supply kits to assure that everything is in working order.

• Update your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to versions that have a battery backup.

During the Storm Tips:

• Avoid being on the roads.

• Outdoor pets should be brought inside.

• Stay indoors as much as possible.

• The most effective way to stay warm is by wearing multiple layers of clothing.

• Keep an emergency supply kit in your car if you cannot avoid driving.

• Do not use a stove to supply heat for your home. Likewise, do not use outdoor grills, gas/propane heaters or generators indoors.

• Do not use generators indoors. Plug appliances directly into your generator. Do not plug your generator into your household’s electrical wiring.

After the Storm Tips:

• Make sure roads are safe before driving. While precipitation may have stopped, roads can remain dangerous to drive on for days afterward.

• Dress appropriately for the temperature. Continue dressing in layers and avoiding extended exposure.

• Stay away from downed lines and do not pull tree limbs off downed power lines or make repairs to Alabama Power equipment. Call 1-800-888-2726 and wait for help.