The Alabama Department of Transportation is urging drivers to exercise “extreme caution” Wednesday morning with dangerous black ice possible on state roadways.

Black ice is a thin, invisible layer of ice that can make driving conditions extremely treacherous, increasing the risk of crashes.

ALDOT said its crews will be working to clear snow and apply de-icing agents to bridges and roadways, but icy patches may remain on seemingly passable surfaces.

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The agency offered the following tips for Alabama drivers:

• 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.
• 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 in cleared lanes: Stay in the lane visibily cleared of snow.

Motorists were 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)
• ALDOT West Central Region (Bibb, Chilton, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston counties)
• ALDOT East Central Region (Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa counties)
• ALDOT Southeast Region (Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Henry, Houston, Geneva, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, and Russell counties)
• ALDOT Southwest Region (Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox counties)