April 26, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – On April 20, 2024, the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Wasilla Police Department, and Palmer Police Department conducted a six-hour high visibility traffic enforcement operation across southcentral Alaska focused on speeding on Alaska’s highways. During the special operation law enforcement conducted 405 traffic stops and contacted 526 drivers and passengers for speeding and other unsafe driving behavior. Officers also arrested three drivers for driving under the influence, issued 271 citations, and 171 warnings. “Just because Spring has started to arrive across much of the state, does not mean that drivers can drive over the posted speed limit or in a manner that is unsafe for conditions,” said Colonel Maurice Hughes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Your Alaska State Troopers will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to ensure that Alaskans are driving safely and legally across the state. Far too many Alaskans die each year due to speeding, driving under the influence, or carelessness behind the wheel – and we will continue to enforce Alaska’s traffic laws to do our part to discourage this behavior.” Each Spring as Alaska’s roads begin to dry out after Winter, many Alaskans begin driving faster than posted speed limits and in a manner that is unsafe for conditions at any time of year. In 2021 there were 12,330 speeding-related fatalities in the United States, an increase of 8% from the 11,428 fatalities in 2020. Speeding was a contributing factor for 29% of fatalities in motor vehicle collisions in the United States in 2021, the highest percentage since 2013. This enforcement initiative was funded by a grant from the Alaska Highway Safety Office. PDF Version of Release Read More
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