As 2023 draws to a close and we are enjoying the last months of December brings us to remember that winter is on the way as forecasters in the area are calling for frigid temperatures, heavy rain, and possibly snow storms in the northern region of the state.

The Secretary of Hal Taylor, Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Hal Taylor said, “Whether you’re traveling far distances to attend an upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration or watching your favorite team play bowl games or just staying near home We encourage everyone to prepare their vehicle prior to leaving to travel. If you’re planning to stay in a region in Alabama that will not be affected by snow or rain It is important to bring emergency supplies along and make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter. Weather conditions can change with no notice, and as temperatures drop, the last thing anyone would like to be is at roadsides, without having the right equipment.”

Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and you have checked it.

  • Lights for the headlights, brake lights signal lights, flashers for emergency, and interior lights. Be sure to

    Also, make sure you check your trailer’s turn signals and brake lights If needed, check your trailer’s brake lights and turn signals.
  • Defrosters and windshield wipers. Also, replace any damaged blades.
  • The cooling system is a good place to check for leaks. Also, check the drain and coolant or replace it if needed.
  • The battery and charging device and belts. If temperatures fall, so does the battery power.
  • Tires (including spare tires) and their condition as well as. Examine for the condition of treads, sideswalls and the pressure of inflation.

Have items in your car for common winter driving tasks. Also, keep any items you may require in case of emergency, such as flashlights, jumper cables or warning tools (flares as well as emergency marker) and blankets to protect from cold; charger for your cell phone as well as water, food items and any medications you may need. Be sure to fuel your car or plug it in if the vehicle is powered by electricity.

When driving through possibly icy conditions, do not use your car’s cruise control. It can cause problems and can result in you losing control, particularly when you cross frozen or iced-over bridges. Make a plan for your journey, be aware of the weather conditions, and remain prudent and courteous when you are driving on roads.

Director of the ALEA’s Office of Public Safety, Colonel Jon Archer Colonel Jon Archer, ALEA’s Director of Public Safety, stated “Being a considerate driver is a basic conduct that makes a difference and ensures that our roads are safer for all. Some of the most contributing factors we observe in traffic accidents include following too closely, inconsistent use of lane changes or usage of the speed limit posted or driving distracted. As we prepare for an exciting new year, and as we continue the’12 Days of Safety campaign, we urge everyone to incorporate safety and driving with respect in their resolutions for the New Year.”

Make the commitment to be a considerate driver this weekend and through 2024 by:

  • Be careful not to cruise in the left side of the lane. The left lane is meant to be used to pass. When you’ve completed a vehicle’s passing, return to the right or middle lane in order to ensure that the left lane remains open. In Alabama it is illegal for a vehicle to not stay on the rightmost side of the road longer than 1.5 miles without fully moving over another automobile.
  • Do not be too close. Always follow at an appropriate distance so that you give your body time to adjust. Change your distance of following to be in line with road conditions, weather conditions as well as visibility and traffic.
  • Make sure you use your turn signal while switching directions. Making sure other drivers are aware of any shift in your route will allow them time to react, and may assist in avoiding the possibility of a crash. Make sure you check your blind spots as well.
  • Be sure to be aware of the roads shared by cyclists and pedestrians. We share the responsibility of keeping road users at risk. Be particularly cautious when turning around at intersections and when driving through heavily populous areas, or in parking lots that are congested during the holiday sales.
  • Moving across. It isn’t just considerate, it’s the law. If you spot emergency vehicles such as road maintenance tow trucks, or other vehicles that are on the side of the road, with hazards visible, move to give enough space. Be cautious and move in the direction of. If you’re not able to pass through due to traffic, reduce your speed to 15 miles an hour less than the speed limit posted.

The article ALEA Safety: Make it your New Year’s resolution and be careful not to get caught in freezing temperatures was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.