With traffic fatalities up more than 25 percent this year, the Alabama Department of Transportation asks drivers and their passengers to wear seat belts for the safety of everyone traveling this holiday season.

“Almost 60 percent of the 646 people who have died in vehicle crashes on Alabama roads so far this year were not wearing a seat belt,” said Allison Green, Drive Safe Alabama coordinator with ALDOT.

“One of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones this year is to buckle up every time you get into a vehicle. Get started on your New Year’s resolutions early and make wearing a seat belt a daily habit before 2017 arrives.”

Road Advisories

To better handle increased traffic and for the safety of travelers, construction industry workers and maintenance crews, ALDOT will have no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates after noon, Friday, Dec. 23, through midnight, Monday, Dec. 26, and after noon, Friday, Dec. 30, through midnight, Monday, Jan. 2, 2017.

For safe driving tips and an overview of Alabama motor vehicle laws, go to www.DriveSafeAlabama.org.

ALDOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally and economically sound transportation network across Alabama. For further information, visit www.dot.state.al.us.