NEWS RELEASE

June 29, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Allison Green
Drive Safe Alabama Coordinator
Alabama Department of Transportation

334.353.6534

ALDOT Highway Reminders for Fourth of July Holiday Travel

Top Two Risky Behaviors in Fatal Crashes on Alabama Roads

(Montgomery, Ala.) – Drivers taking to Alabama roads during the Fourth of July holiday should plan for increased traffic and allow extra time to reach their destination. As an added precaution during the heavily traveled holiday, the Alabama Department of Transportation announced today there would be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates after noon on Friday, July 1, through midnight, Monday, July 4.

Risky Behaviors Contributing to Fatal Crashes

With the increased number of vehicles on the road during the Fourth of July holiday period, there is less room to make driving errors. Staying alert and avoiding risky behaviors while driving is always important.

The top two risky behaviors involved in fatal crashes on Alabama roads are:

-Speeding

-Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Motorists are six times more likely to die in a crash when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is involved, as shown in studies sponsored by ALDOT. Designating a sober driver before drinking is key to preventing these deadly crashes.

Alabama is ranked twelfth in the nation for speeding-related traffic fatalities. To reduce those fatalities, drivers must consider road, weather and vehicle conditions, as well as their own physical condition when deciding how fast to drive. For example, driving the speed limit on a rainy day might not be reasonable, since there is an increased risk of hydroplaning and losing control of the vehicle.

Surviving a crash is more likely when wearing a seat belt. Latest stats from Drive Safe Alabama show that 58 percent of people dying in crashes on Alabama highways were not wearing seat belts.

–more –

Motorists planning their holiday travel route can find traffic information and traffic cameras at A listing of emergency lane closures and permanent lane or bridge closures is available under the Road Conditions tab on the ALDOT web site at

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About the Alabama Department of Transportation

ALDOT's mission is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally and economically sound transportation network across Alabama. For further information, visit

About Drive Safe Alabama

Drive Safe Alabama is ALDOT’s branded traffic safety marketing campaign. It was created from the 2012 edition of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, a document required by the Federal Highway Administration.
The goal of Drive Safe Alabama is to strengthen Alabama’s highway safety culture. By providing safe drivinginformation through online resources and educational opportunities, ALDOT aims to reduce crash-related injuriesand fatalities on Alabama’s roadways. Learn more at DriveSafeAlabama.org.

Image -Top Five Fatal Crash Contributors Chart