We aren’t quite out of the seasonal woods yet, and with a wintry mix — not to mention bone-chilling temperatures — on tap for this week, we’re sticking by our Boy Scout motto once again: Be prepared.

As North Alabama and the Alabama Department of Transportation prepare for winter weather that could leave us with dusting or inch of snow, and traces of ice, hazardous traveling conditions could develop and ALDOT crews offer us a bit of timely motoring advice:

— 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, which is a thin, invisible layer of 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 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).

Be aware and be safe, Limestone County, by preparing for adverse weather conditions now. After all, the last official day of winter, March 20, is still a few weeks away.