Fall Into Winter

Fall Into Winter – Alaska Road Safety: Changing weather conditions in Alaska make driving more dangerous than in most states, especially at this time of year. Alaskan roads may be dry, debris-covered, wet, snowy, icy or any combination of these on any given day. In addition, certain conditions make roads even more dangerous. For example, the angle of the sun and lack of light as Alaska heads into winter affects visibility.  Driving habits must accommodate changing road conditions. Johnson Law offers you some tips to improve Alaska Road Safety.

Fall Into Winter Visibility

Before driving, check all exterior lights on your vehicle. Ensure windshield wipers are in good condition and your car is properly maintained. As Alaska rolls from fall into winter, we often travel in darker conditions with less hours of sunlight this time of year.  With the sun lower in the sky, the intense glare often obscures our vision in the mornings and afternoons. Always drive with sunglasses handy.

Prepare Your Car For Winter Now

Vigilance and general maintenance greatly reduces the odds of breaking down as Alaskans go from fall into winter, having an accident or some other unwanted event while driving. Before driving, check windshield washer fluid, clean windows (inside and out), and properly adjust those mirrors.  In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car for increased Alaska Road Safety:

• Test the battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops;
• Make sure the cooling system is in good working order;
• As we move from fall into winter, tires with a deeper, more flexible tread are critical;
• If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch for greater Alaska Road Safety;
• Check the tire pressure; tire pressure drops as the temperature drops;
• Check wiper blades and replace if needed;
• Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees;
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze this is especially important as we go from fall into winter; and
• Keep your car’s emergency preparedness kit fully stocked.

Awareness and preparation increases Alaska Road Safety. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your motor vehicle crash injury case. We are here to serve you. Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: National Safety Council

Image Source: The Alaska Frontier