Memorial Day journey meets harmful highway circumstances in Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Millions of vacationers are hitting the roads for Memorial Day weekend, and heavy rain is including to the potential risks.

Scenes performed out on central Alabama roads Sunday as rain and vacation visitors collided. With thousands and thousands extra touring residence after Memorial Day, authorities are urging drivers to make use of additional warning on the roads.

“We’re expecting 45 million travelers to either get to their destination by car, plane, or other modes of travel,” mentioned Sheri Falk of AAA.

AAA says almost 40 million of these folks will probably be driving, probably the most in 4 years.

This 12 months, they’re dealing with an added problem. Rounds of heavy rain are anticipated by way of Tuesday, creating slick roads and the potential for flash flooding throughout Alabama.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) says troopers will probably be out in drive this weekend with elevated patrols and attainable driver’s license checkpoints in areas recognized for heavy congestion.

“With us anticipating the influx of traffic, we understand, you know, we need to be out, we need to be seen, be visible, to remind people, you know, concentrate on the small things like your speeding, wear your seat belts and make sure everybody in the vehicle wears seat belts,” mentioned ALEA Senior Trooper Brandon.

If you’ve been celebrating this vacation weekend, authorities say plan forward earlier than you get behind the wheel.

“Wherever you’re going, if you’re drinking, just make sure that you take an Uber, a Lyft, or find some sort of sober way home,” Falk mentioned.

ALEA can also be reminding drivers that Alabama’s hands-free regulation means you can not maintain or use your telephone whereas driving.

Wet roads, heavy visitors and impaired drivers are a harmful mixture. AAA says the neatest factor you are able to do is decelerate, keep sober and put the telephone away.

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