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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2014
No.: 14-2532
Contact: Jeremy Woodrow, 907-465-8994, Jeremy.Woodrow@alaska.gov

ADOT&PF Offer Tips & Resources for Safe Summer Driving

(JUNEAU, Alaska) –As Alaskans hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) reminds drivers to prepare accordingly and follow the rules of the road for safe summer travels.

ADOT&PF offers these tips to make summer road trips safer:

Before travel: 

  • Check for road conditions and construction updates by calling 511, or visit 511.Alaska.gov or AlaskaNavigator.org
  • Bring emergency supplies, a first aid kit and a charged cell or satellite phone
  • Alert someone of anticipated arrival and departure schedule
  • Factor in extra time for construction delays

During travel:

  • Drive according to road conditions instead of posted speed limits
  • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road
  • Seat belts save lives – buckle up and make sure that all passengers use them correctly
  • See and be seen – using headlights at all times can reduce head-on collisions by as much as 15 percent
  • Travel with caution through work zones
  • Be careful when approaching and passing “animal jams
  • Use vehicle pullouts or rest stops when tired

Drivers can access real-time travel information by visiting 511.Alaska.gov, or dialing 511 to hear National Weather Service weather watches, and access the Alaska Marine Highway System schedules or speak to a reservation agent. Road Weather Information cameras, which are placed on several roads across Alaska, can also be viewed on the 511 website.

Summer in Alaska means construction season; travelers may find current and upcoming construction events on 511.Alaska.gov or by visiting AlaskaNavigator.org. It’s critical that drivers take extra precaution when traveling through work zones – for their safety and the safety of workers.

Memorial Day weekend also marks the height of the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign (May 19 – June 1). Seat belt use in Alaska is down from prior years and as much as 14 percent of drivers in Alaska drive without wearing a seat belt. Local law enforcement has begun issuing tickets and will be on the lookout statewide.

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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