Last month, Alabama began enforcing a strengthened hands-free driving law that prohibits motorists from holding or manipulating handheld electronic devices while behind the wheel, according to state officials.
The amendment to Code § 32-5A-350, originating from Senate Bill 301 passed in 2023, makes it a Class C misdemeanor to physically hold a wireless telecommunications device while driving. The law prohibits more than a single swipe or tap to begin or end a call and bans reading or sending texts, watching videos, or recording while operating a vehicle.
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
THROUGH 330 PM CDT...
At 256 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Still Waters Resort to near Liberty City.
Movement was south at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Tallassee, Liberty City, Still Waters Resort, Tallapoosa City,
Southern Lake Martin, Yates Dam, Blue Creek Marina, Reeltown, and
Yates Reservoir.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN;
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 106 expected.
* WHERE...Much of Central Alabama.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and
pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any
circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible
and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in
shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat
should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an
emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
