MOTORISTS are being urged to make a quick and potentially life-saving update to their driver's licence as the busy summer travel season approaches.
In Alabama, officials are encouraging drivers to add an emergency contact to their licence details — a step that could prove vital in the event of a serious crash.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has launched a simple online system where drivers can input their emergency contact information in just three minutes.
After entering their licence details and name, users are prompted to provide a contact's name, address, phone number, and relationship to the driver.
"A lot of people rely on their cellphone for something like that, but if your cellphone is damaged in the crash, or is lost, or the officer isn't able to get into it has a security code or something like that, then that's really going to slow things down," said ALEA’s Ingram.
"Taking about three minutes to go on the ALEA website and enter in your emergency contact information is really a smart thing to do."
The update comes as officials highlight the start of the "100 deadliest days" — the period between Memorial Day and Labour Day — which is especially dangerous for teenage drivers.
Parents and teens who want to add this crucial detail to their records can begin the process on the ALEA website.
The warning follows a series of safety campaigns across the US, all aimed at helping drivers prepare for emergencies before they strike.
In Wisconsin, a similar digital update now allows residents to add emergency contacts to their driving records in just a few clicks.
Meanwhile, the "Put the Phone Away or Pay" initiative is reminding Americans nationwide to ditch their mobiles while driving — or risk steep fines.
And with AAA flagging increased summer risks around schools, neighbourhoods, and holiday hotspots, officials are doubling down on calls for basic preparation.
Whether it's checking your breakdown cover, packing a first-aid kit, or making sure your emergency details are accessible, the message is clear: a few minutes now could make all the difference later.
