Alabama safety leaders urge caution on roads in wake of severe w - WVTM-TV: News, Weather, and Sports for Birmingham, AL

Alabama public safety officials are urging motorists to use more caution on roads for Monday, March 18^th.  Colonel Hugh B. McCall, director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety as well as the state's highest ranking state trooper is urging caution due to the forecast for severe weather. 

 That forecast includes damaging straight line winds, large hail and the slight potential for isolated tornados.  Colonel McCall says motorists must remember the following points of caution. 

• Motorists should be aware of other vehicles on the roadway.  High winds are more trouble for trucks, buses and RV's.  Motorists should also be aware of vehicles that are towing trailers or other items.
• Motorists should also reduce speed especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when approaching or meeting large vehicles.
• Motorists should also look for slick areas on the roads.  Heavy rain can often accompany high winds.

In case of severe thunderstorms, officials suggest motorists follow the following steps.

• Motorists should listen to the AM/FM radio for information on approaching storms.
• Motorists need to, using low beams, turn on their headlights and slow their vehicles down.
• Motorists should allow for an extra safe distance for braking or stopping the vehicle.
• Motorists should pull their vehicle safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
• In heavy rain, motorists should stay in their vehicles and turn on emergency flashing lights until the rain subsides.
• Motorists should avoid flooded areas and roadways.
• Motorists should avoid downed power lines.
• Motorists should approach intersections with caution.

For emergencies along Alabama's roadways, motorists may dial 911 for assistance;  or dial *HP (*47) on cell phones to reach the nearest Alabama State Trooper post.  Motorists also may visit the Alabama Department of Transportation's website for information on Alabama road conditions and more:  http://aldotapps.dot.state.al.us/Hurricane%20Call%20Center/emergency_information.htm