ALDOT is urging motorists to use extreme caution tomorrow morning, Jan. 22, as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing. These conditions significantly increase the potential of black ice to form on bridges and roadways.
Black ice is a thin, invisible layer of ice that can make driving conditions extremely treacherous, increasing the risk of crashes.
ALDOT crews will be actively working to clear snow and apply de-icing agents to bridges and roadways, however, icy patches may remain on seemingly passable surfaces.
ALDOT emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety and driving according to current road conditions.
Tips for Motorists
- Avoid travel until conditions improve: Once winter precipitation begins, ALDOT urges motorists to avoid travel during adverse weather and roadway conditions.
- Slow down: Reduce your speed and increase your following distance, allowing extra room to stop. Plan additional travel time to reach your destination.
- Be aware of black ice: Bridges and overpasses are particularly susceptible to black ice.
- Avoid sudden braking and steering: These actions can cause your vehicle to lose control.
- Turn on your headlights: This will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
- Avoid using cruise control on icy roads: This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you hydroplane.
- Watch for workers: Be aware of emergency personnel and crews treating and clearing roadways.
- Move crashed vehicles: In the event of a minor crash, safely move vehicles off the roadway if possible, to maintain access for first responders and treatment crews. Do not abandon vehicles in travel lanes.
- Stay in cleared lanes: Stay in the lane visibily cleared of snow.
Stay Informed
Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and visit ALDOTNews, ALGOTraffic.com or download the ALGO Traffic app, as well as follow ALGO Traffic on X and ALDOT on Facebook. Follow regional operation accounts on X for more local information:
- ALDOT North Region (Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties)
- ALDOT West Central Region (Bibb, Chilton, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston counties)
- ALDOT East Central Region (Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa counties)
- ALDOT Southeast Region (Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Henry, Houston, Geneva, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, and Russell counties)
- ALDOT Southwest Region (Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox counties)
