(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is hosting several events to address highway safety this week, including a symposium for safety professionals, a public open house, and a car seat check-up. For those not able to attend, DOT&PF is also offering a community survey for the public to share their thoughts, experiences, and expertise on safety in Anchorage.

The first event is a two-day 2024 Symposium on Safe Roadway Behaviors in which industry leaders from transportation, civil and industrial engineering, health care, sociology, law enforcement, government, media, and marketing, will discuss new ideas and strategies aimed at improving safe practices on roadways, reducing crashes, and saving lives in Alaska. The event is organized by the Alaska Highway Safety Office (AHSO). For more information about the Safe Roadway Behaviors Symposium, visit aktrafficsafety.org.

In partnership with the Center for Safe Alaskans, AHSO will host a free car seat check-up event as part of the 2024 Symposium. This event will take place on Monday, Sept. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage. Parents and caregivers who have questions about their car seat or need assistance with installation are encouraged to attend.

DOT&PF will then hold the “Partners in Safety” public open house on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Partners in Safety is a new outreach initiative designed to foster open communication between the department and the public. This program aims to go beyond traditional data sources and tap into the valuable insights of Alaskans about roadway safety.

The approach is part of DOT&PF’s implementation of the Safe Systems Approach (SSA) to enhance road safety. As part of SSA, it is essential to hear directly from those who use our roadways every day. By engaging with residents and understanding their experiences, the department can better address safety concerns and make informed decisions about infrastructure improvements.

The public is invited to participate from 3:30-6:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons, Loussac Library (Fourth Floor), 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, Alaska.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from DOT&PF, learn more about road safety initiatives, and provide feedback that will help shape future safety measures. The department encourages the community to share their experiences and ideas.

The public may also participate in the safety conversation via survey. Visit dot.alaska.gov/besafe to participate in the survey, and stay informed about future outreach opportunities.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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