As the holiday weekend approaches and everyone is making plans to enjoy the unofficial transition into summer, we hope Franklin County is keeping safety in mind – particularly anyone planning to hit the road for a little weekend traveling, whether near or far.

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, the number of vehicles on Alabama’s roadways is expected to be higher than normal this weekend as the Memorial Day holiday officially kicks off the summer travel season. Drivers should plan for increased traffic and allow extra time to reach their destination.

In a spot of good news from ALDOT, for the safety of the traveling public and highway construction and maintenance workers, there will be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from noon May 27 through midnight May 30. That’s one thing that should help keep everyone safer.

What else can we do to observe roadway safety? 

• Buckle up. Surviving a crash is much more likely when wearing a seat belt. According to ALDOT, latest stats from Drive Safe Alabama show that more than 50 percent of people dying in crashes on Alabama highways are not wearing a seat belt.

• Slow down. Speeding is a leading contributing factor in fatal crashes on Alabama roads.

• Keep right, except to pass. Drivers on Alabama interstates must travel in the right lane. Drivers are not allowed to be in the left lane for more than 1.5 miles unless the driver is passing another vehicle. There are exceptions for road hazards, traffic congestion and moving over for emergency response vehicles.

Motorists planning their holiday travel route can find Alabama traffic and road condition information, including live traffic camera feeds, at www.ALGOtraffic.com or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app.

We want every Franklin Countian traveling this weekend to make it back home safely. Whether you’re headed out to a local attraction like the Bear Creek Lakes or the Dismals or traveling out of town, please keep these safety tips in mind.