April 15, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – Today Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell issued an emergency order extending the statutory deadline to remove studded tires from vehicles operating on Alaska roadways for areas north of the 60° North Latitude line. Due to extended winter weather conditions across much of the southcentral and interior Alaska, the order was issued to ease the burden of Alaskans and ensure drivers can safely operate their vehicles during the extended winter season. “Many parts of Alaska are experiencing prolonged winter weather after a near record setting snow season that has extended icy road conditions well into April,” said Commissioner Jim Cockrell. “This 15-day extension for the studded tire removal deadline will provide additional time to switch to regular tires without compromising safety.” Alaskans living above the 60° North Latitude line, including all portions of the Sterling Highway, may use studded tires on Alaska roadways until May 15, 2024. Latitude 60° crosses Alaska from east to west, just south of Prince William Sound, Seward, and Chefornak. Alaskans living below the 60° North Latitude line, including Southeast, the Aleutian Chain, Southwest Alaska, and Kodiak, will use the deadline established in statute of April 15, 2024. A copy of the emergency order can be found here. Some municipalities or boroughs may have their own regulations surrounding studded tires in their jurisdiction. Read More
March 15, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) —If you are wearing green and celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, make sure you and your friends get home safely by designating a sober driver, calling a cab, or spending the night. On St. Patrick’s Day there will be additional Alaska State Troopers on patrol looking for intoxicated and dangerous drivers across Alaska’s roadways. “We understand people are looking for a reason to celebrate, and we want Alaskans to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but we also want to impress upon everyone the importance of safe and sober driving,” stated Colonel Mo Hughes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Your luck will run out if you choose to get behind the wheel while buzzed, drunk, or high.” This special enforcement period will run March 17 and 18, 2024. Funding for increased patrol efforts comes from grants distributed by the Alaska Highway Safety Office. Motorists who see someone driving dangerously are encouraged to call in a REDDI – Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately – by calling 911. To learn more about REDDI, visit http://www.dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/hwysafety/REDDI.shtml PDF Version of Release: 24-003-St-Patricks-Day-HVE Read More
January 30, 2024 (Anchorage, Alaska) – Over the Special Holiday traffic enforcement effort, Alaska State Troopers and Wildlife Troopers issued 237 citations, made two felony DUI arrests, and investigated two fatal collisions across Alaska’s roadways. The focused traffic enforcement patrols ran from December 18, 2023 to January 1, 2024. Alaska State Trooper and Wildlife Trooper contacts during the enforcement period include the following: • 20 misdemeanor DUI arrests • 2 felony DUI arrests • 15 drivers charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license • 151 damage only collisions, 11 injury collisions, and 2 fatal collisions were investigated by troopers • Of the 237 citations issued, 58 were issued for speeding and 12 issued for seatbelt or other occupant restraint violations Funding for increased patrol efforts comes from grants distributed by the Alaska Highway Safety Office. Motorists who see someone driving dangerously are encouraged to call in a REDDI – Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately – by calling 911. To learn more about REDDI, visit http://www.dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/hwysafety/REDDI.shtml PDF Version of Release Read More