As another round of extreme winter weather approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is advising citizens to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. This weather event is anticipated to bring snow and ice to regions that may not be accustomed to such winter weather, potentially resulting in dangerous travel conditions.
“We recognize that winter weather can pose unique challenges for our Alabama communities, particularly in those areas where snow and ice are rare,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Our primary goal is to keep our citizens safe. Reducing unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions is crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring first responders can perform their duties efficiently.”
With the National Weather Service’s (NWS) forecasts indicating significant impacts for central and southern portions of the state, ALEA encourages the following driving precautions:
1.**Avoid Unnecessary Travel:** If you do not need to be on the road, please stay home. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly, and driving is strongly discouraged during inclement weather.
2.**Monitor Weather Updates:** Stay informed by checking local weather reports from your trusted news source, and updates from ALEA and the National Weather Service.
3.**Prepare Your Vehicle:** If you must travel, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Check your tires, battery, wiper blades, and fluids. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes blankets, snacks, water, and a flashlight.
4.**Drive Slowly and Cautiously:** If you must go out, reduce your speed, increase the distance between your vehicle and others, and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns. Additionally, avoid using cruise control as steering sensitivity can change on icy roads, leading to loss of vehicle control.
5.**Stay Alert:** Be aware of your surroundings and watch for ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, which can freeze more quickly than other surfaces.
6.**Heed Road Closure Signs:** If authorities have closed roads or issued travel restrictions, comply with these warnings. They are in place to protect public safety.
7.**Use Headlights:** In low visibility conditions, ensure your headlights are on, and keep them clean to enhance visibility for you and other drivers.
During the state’s last major weather event, ALEA Troopers responded to a total of 80 traffic crashes, where weather conditions were a factor, from Friday, Jan 10, to Saturday Jan. 11 in Troops E, F and G. This number does not include the number of vehicles that were removed from ditches or were stranded on the side of the road due to weather conditions with no damage. Troop E includes Colbert, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, Walker and Winston counties. Troop F includes Blount, Cherokee, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties. Troop G includes Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega and Randolph counties.
Colonel Jonathan Archer, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director said, “ALEA stands ready to assist and respond to emergencies as the situation develops. Once again, we will have all available Troopers ready, this includes Troopers assigned to ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division to assist our Highway Patrol Division and respond to traffic crashes, road closures and assist with traffic control in heavily impacted areas. However, we strongly encourage citizens to stay off the roads if conditions become dangerous in your area.”
Residents are encouraged to follow ALEA on social media (@ALEAProtects) for real time road conditions, closures and updates.
