ALDOT Readies for Winter: Essential Travel Tips Amid Looming Snowstorm

The Alabama Department of Transportation is preparing for this week’s possible winter storm and providing travel advice to ensure driver safety.

ALDOT indicates that snow and ice might occur, and teams will be proactive in keeping the roads safe and clear.

Increased snowfall is anticipated south of Interstate 20, which will encompass all Action 8 viewing regions.

ALDOT is organizing extensive pre-treatment actions and will initiate clearing and treatment efforts once the snow starts. However, it notes that despite these efforts, road conditions may become difficult in certain regions.

Teams may pretreat surfaces to reduce ice formation; this largely depends on whether rain occurs before or during the winter precipitation, as rain can wash away pretreatment substances. Some pretreatment tasks are planned for Sunday and Monday.

ALDOT prioritizes bridges and interstate highways first, followed by U.S. and state highways in accordance with traffic density.

ALDOT encourages you to exercise extra care while driving in winter conditions.

Here are some crucial safety recommendations:

• Postpone travel until conditions improve: Once winter precipitation starts, ALDOT advises motorists to refrain from traveling during severe weather and roadway situations.
• Slow down: Decrease your speed and extend your following distance, providing extra space to stop. Allocate additional time for travel to reach your destination.
• Be cautious of black ice: Bridges and overpasses are especially prone to black ice, which appears as a thin, invisible layer of ice.
• Avoid abrupt braking and steering: These maneuvers may lead to a loss of vehicle control.
• Activate your headlights: This will enhance your visibility to other drivers.
• Steer clear of using cruise control on icy roads: This may lead to losing control of your vehicle if you hydroplane.
• Be alert for workers: Stay mindful of emergency personnel and crews working on road treatment and clearance.
• Relocate crashed vehicles: In the event of a minor collision, safely move vehicles off the roadway if possible to allow access for emergency responders and treatment teams. Do not leave vehicles abandoned in travel lanes.

ALGO Traffic Map – real-time traffic conditions statewide
ALGO Traffic Cameras – view live traffic conditions