Reminders for safe travel on Memorial Day weekend


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Memorial Day weekend means more drivers on the road, and the Alabama Department of Transportation has a few reminders for anyone planning a trip.

As always, be prepared for increased traffic and plan for extra travel time so you can get to where you’re going safe and sound.

ALDOT is doing its part by halting temporary lane closures on all state interstates between noon Friday, May 24, and midnight Monday, May 27.

And don’t forget that Alabama has a brand new hands-free cellphone law going into effect June 1. While you won’t get a ticket for holding your phone this weekend, now’s the perfect time to get out of the habit.

Here’s what the new law entails: You can’t hold your phone while driving. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use your phone. You’ll just have to use hands-free technology like Bluetooth and a device holder in your car. You won’t be able to tap away on your phone — so text-to-speech is key.

If you need to do something that requires holding on to your phone and typing or swiping, pull over in a safe location and park.

ALDOT’s holiday travel tips:

  • Avoid distractions — that includes your phone
  • Observe speed limits — speeding is the No. 1 contributor to fatal crashes in Alabama
  • Buckle up — seat belts save lives and reduce risk of serious injury if you’re in a crash
  • Plan your route ahead of time — ALGO Traffic can help, and it’s available as a website or a downloadable app


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