Highway travel during the 2013 Thanksgiving holiday is expected to be heavy in Alabama as people take the opportunity to visit family and friends and head to college football games. The Alabama Department of Transportation urges motorists to drive safely in all their travels.

As an added precaution during the heavily traveled holiday, ALDOT announced today there would be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates after noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27, through midnight on Sunday, Dec. 1.

For the safety of the traveling public, construction industry workers and maintenance crews, roadwork will be limited during this busy holiday period.

Throughout the year, ALDOT limits road construction during major holiday weekends. However, emergency lane closures may be possible dependent on specific circumstances on interstates and other state roadways.

For more information about ALDOT, visit Dot.state.al.us.

The American Red Cross provided safety tips for the highway.

In addition to ensuring vehicles are in good working order before leaving, those traveling over the holiday should remember to:

•Pack emergency supplies like blankets, water and snacks, flashlight and first-aid kit.

•Fill the fuel tank, check air pressure in tires and top off windshield fluid.

•Buckle up and obey all traffic signs.

•Avoid distractions while driving like using mobile phones to talk or text.

•Designate a driver who won’t be drinking whenever alcohol is served.

“The week of Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest travel periods,” said Chris Osborne, communications officer with Alabama Red Cross. “We want people to arrive at their destinations, enjoy time with their loved ones and make it home safely.”

The Red Cross has a variety of emergency supplies and first-aid kits available at redcrossstore.org.

People can learn how to respond to emergencies by downloading the free American Red Cross First Aid App.

Users receive instant access to expert advice whenever and wherever they need it.

The app is available in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to Redcross.org/mobileapps.