Highway travel during the 2010 Christmas and New Year holiday weeks is expected to be heavy in Alabama as families head for holiday destinations. The Alabama Department of Transportation urges motorists to drive safely in their travels.

As an added precaution during the heavily travelled holiday, Transportation Director Joe McInnes announced today there would be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates after 12 noon, Thursday, December 23rd, through midnight, Sunday, December 26th. Additionally, the same observances will apply from Thursday, December 30th, through midnight Sunday, January 2, 2011.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has been awarded the 2010 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Safety Leadership Award for committed leadership, aggressive initiatives and collaborative efforts toward the implementation of Alabama’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). Due to this plan, safety has been elevated, many lives have been saved and injuries have been prevented on Alabama’s roadways.

For many people, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the holiday and adds to the spirit of Christmas. However, with the addition of a Christmas tree to your home, the risk of fire and other household accidents increases.

According to the National Fire Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to more than an estimated 1.3 million fires in 2009, causing 3,010 civilian fire fatalities, 17,050 civilian fire injuries and over $12.5 million in property losses. The NFPA reports there was a civilian fire death every 175 minutes and a civilian fire injury every 31 minutes in 2009. 

“There are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday,” says Allstate agent Ross Brewer. “By following these steps, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday casualty.”