Unfortunately, there is no way to make yourself completely safe against the threat of a motor vehicle crash. The most common causes of injurious car crashes include distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and unlawful drivers.

Distracted Driving and Motor Vehicle Crashes

Distracting driving is an issue worsening in the age of modern technology. Smartphone use or texting while driving is rampant on our nation’s roadways. Some believe that texting while driving — and statistics seem to support this — is even more dangerous than drunk driving. Either way, taking your eyes off the road to manipulate an electronic device is never a good idea. Drivers are also distracted during activities such as applying makeup or changing radio stations. These distractions cause drivers to operate their vehicles blindly and cause serious car crashes.

Drunk Drivers

Annually, Drunk drivers cause many motor vehicle crashes. Drunk Drivers have slower reaction times and cannot accurately see what is happening on the road. The altered state causes drivers to make poor decisions — like choosing to drive too fast instead of following the posted speed limit or changing lanes uncontrollably. As you can imagine, not following the rules of the road and driving while under the influence is a recipe for disaster, which is why so many DUI car crashes involve very serious injuries and death.

Unlawful Drivers and Car Crashes

Finally, unlawful drivers come in all varieties. The rules of the road were created for a very important reason: to keep us safe. When a driver fails to follow traffic, other drivers will be caught off guard because unlawful drivers act unexpectedly. Suffice it to say, most car crashes are due to one or more driver’s failure to adhere to the law.

If you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle crash due to another person’s negligence, you need to hold that person responsible. Holding people responsible for their actions encourages more drivers to follow the rules of the road, making the roads safer for everyone.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.

Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Sources: NHTSA, RGA;

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Alaska’s Road Conditions Ranked

The Reason Foundation’s Annual Highway Report placed Alaska’s roads at or near the bottom of their rankings for over 10 years. Alaska was last in 2013, moving up slightly to 49th in 2014. Alaska’s roads reached 48th in 2018 and remains stagnant. The rankings are based upon the quality of the roads and the cost-effectiveness of the road system.

In addition to the conditions on rural roads, the report found an increase in bad conditions on interstates. Alaska is one of five states in the entire country that has almost fifty percent of its rural interstates considered to be in poor condition. The study also found many deficient bridges in the state. Alaska’s worst rankings are in rural arterial pavement condition (50) and rural Interstate pavement condition (48).

Alaska officials take issue with the report. They say the existing roads require high costs to maintain and the ranking doesn’t take newly built roads into account. The state transportation department points out improvements like underpasses and overpasses on rural roads infrequently traveled can’t be justified due to the expense. But the person who compiles the report says just the opposite is true. There are so many rural areas in Alaska that require travel to major cities. Those citizens have no choice but to use those roads.

Road Maintenance Reduces Car Accidents on Alaska’s Roads

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities provides Alaskans with its scheduling priorities for Alaska’s roads. Because winter conditions vary, response times are dependent upon the severity and length of each winter storm. Priority levels at a glance are listed below:

Priority Level 1

High-volume, high-speed highways, expressways, minor highways, all safety corridors and other major urban and community routes. Maintenance on Level 1 routes may take up to 12 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 2

Routes of lesser priority based on traffic volume, speeds and uses. Typically, these are major highways and arterials connecting communities. Maintenance on Level 2 routes may take up to 18 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 3

Major local roads or collector roads located in larger urban communities. Maintenance on Level 3 routes may take up to 24 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 4

Minor local roads that provide residential or recreational access. Maintenance on Level 4 routes may take up to 30 hours to clear after a winter storm.

Priority Level 5

Roadways that are designated as “No Winter Maintenance” routes, e.g. Denali Highway or Taylor Highway. Level 5 routes are generally cleared only in spring to open road for summer traffic.

Auto Accidents On Alaska’s Roads

While human error and mechanical problems are the main causes of auto accidents on Alaska’s roads, poorly maintained roads can certainly be a contributing factor. If you think poor road conditions were the cause of an auto accident on Alaska’s roads, contact a reputable and experienced personal injury attorney in Alaska who can help you determine who should take responsibility for your pain and suffering.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping injured Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.

Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Material Sources: Reason Foundation, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Image Source: NBC News

Why is winter driving more dangerous?

1. On clear sunny days, the low angle of the sun can affect visibility. It’s imperative to ensure that windscreens are kept clean in winter, especially during wet weather conditions leading to mud and water on the roads.
2. Ice and snow cause obvious problems, affecting our ability to steer and brake as needed. It can take 10 times longer to stop when braking in ice and snow.
3. Decreased visibility: our ability to judge distance decreases, and our eyes take time to adjust from bright lights to darker roads. This is particularly an issue for older drivers, whose eyes take longer to adjust. Between the ages of 15 and 65, the speed at which our eyes are able to adjust from light to dark conditions increases from 1 second to 9 seconds.
4. It’s more difficult to see other road users in the dark months. Pedestrians are often not aware of this, meaning that they behave in a manner that puts them more at risk.
5. Young drivers can be particularly vulnerable due to a lack of experience of driving in the dark.

The good news is that you can prepare for Alaska winter driving conditions. Knowing what to do to prepare your vehicle and yourself for snow, ice and sleet can help you prevent accidents and injuries.

What should you do before you drive in hazardous winter conditions?

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Get your vehicle inspected regularly and perform regular maintenance. Your tires should have at least 2/32″ of tread remaining. If the tread measures 2/32″, it’s time to replace them. Poor tread leads to slipping and skidding, which is not what you want in winter-weather conditions.

Take a winter driving course to reduce winter driving hazards

Knowing what your vehicle can and cannot do, along with what you are capable of when driving, helps you make better decisions about when you should drive and when it’s better to stay home. Learn to handle your vehicle on ice and in the snow, so you stay in control. Regardless of how safely we drive ourselves, we can’t assume other drivers will do the same. It’s important to control the things that we can control.

Plan more time for the drive

Finally, set aside more time to drive. If you have to be somewhere and it normally takes you a half-hour, plan for an hour in poor weather conditions to reduce Alaska winter driving hazards. Being able to slow down and take your time helps prevent crashes.

These are just a few tips to help you stay safe out there. Slow down, prepare your vehicle, and you’ll be safer.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping injured Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.

Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Material Source: MiMsafe, “The dangers of winter driving“

Image Source: Alaska Car Transport

Prepare For Alaska Winter Driving Hazards

Check with National Weather Service before traveling. The National Weather Service issues winter weather warnings, watches and advisories.

A few major highways are not maintained during the winter months. Travel is strongly discouraged for your safety. Please abide by these warnings as roads are impassable due to extreme weather conditions and may be life threatening. Emergency services and travel assistance are not available. These warnings are noted under Urgent Reports on the 511.Alaska.gov.

Prepare Your Vehicle For Alaska Winter Driving

Aside from annual maintenance, there are many ways to enhance the safety of your vehicle for Alaska Winter Driving.

• Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
• Make sure the cooling system is in good working order
• Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
• If using all-season tires, check the tread and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch
• Check the tire pressure, which drops as the temperature drops
• Check your wiper blades and replace if needed
• Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees Fahrenheit
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze

Before driving in snowy weather, removing all snow and ice from your car’s windows, roof and lights is crucial to ensure visibility and prevent accidents. Drive with your headlights on. This will help you see and be seen by other drivers. 

Prepare Yourself For Alaska Winter Driving

It’s extremely important to be cold weather prepared in the event of an accident or your car breaking down. In Alaska, there can be many miles of highway between towns, some with very little traffic.

Having a cold weather kit prepacked and ready in your car can be the difference of whether or not you are warm while you wait for help. Pack a full set of winter gear including warm socks, boots, snow pants, a jacket, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Using disposable hand-warmers and a space blanket can also help to maintain warmth. Always have first aid and emergency response kits readily available in your car.

Drive Safely

Remember to give yourself extra travel time for less-than-ideal weather conditions of Alaska Winter Driving. Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions and remember to accelerate and decelerate slowly. If you slide, steer in the direction of a skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to over-correct to stay in your lane.

Increase your following distance to 8 to 10 seconds to allow you more time to avoid potential accidents. If possible, don’t stop when going uphill, as this can lead to being stuck on an icy patch, or worse, losing control and sliding backwards, downhill.

Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that can cause you to lose control of your car. Abrupt changes in speed or direction can cause your vehicle to skid or slide. When accelerating or decelerating, do so slowly and smoothly.

For nearly 30 years, Johnson Law, P.C. has helped injured Alaskans navigate challenging times. And while you hope you never need us, we’re here if you do. Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Material Sources: National Safety Council; Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Alaska 511

Image Source: Adobe Stock

When disagreements with a spouse go over-the-line … it is time to call a family attorney. When the District Attorney’s office charges you (or a loved one) with a crime … it is time to call a criminal defense attorney. These example are relatively obvious. Yet, who do you call if you are wronged in other ways? What if you are injured, or lose a loved one in an accident? How do you know if the law will help you?

What is a Personal Injury Attorney?

I am an Alaskan Personal Injury lawyer. Most folks know that I help people hurt (and the families of those killed) by another person’s bad conduct (“negligence”).

In the case of an automobile crash, the negligence is usually poor choices while driving – ignoring the Rules of the Road. People call me when they were hurt in an accident – caused by somebody else. For example: a Drunk Driver crossed the center-line, or ran a Stop sign … and crashed into them. When this happens, it may not seem too difficult to conclude that the Drunk Driver engaged was wrong or negligent. We all agree that accountability is good. The law should help injured people. The law must help families of a person killed by someone else’s wrongful misconduct. Holding Drunk Drivers fully accountable for their misconduct makes society better.

What about situations when an individual suffers serious injuries (or is killed) by products and machinery that have been poorly designed, built, or maintained? Was it because a manufacturer or vendor was negligent in their duties to the public and allowed a defective product to reach the market? In order to recover the highest amount of compensation for a defective product injury, you must be able to prove the following:

• The manufacturer (or vendor) had a duty
• The manufacturer (or vendor) breached that duty
• The breach caused the accident and resulted in the injuries

When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Imagine this situation. You are badly injured or a loved one is killed. Whether there is bad conduct or not is unclear. How is a person like you to learn whether another person engaged in the type of bad conduct giving rise to a tort claim for injury or death?

Or, what about situations where an insurance company tells you “there is no claim here,” “there is no coverage for that loss,” or “there is nothing we can do for you”? What should you do then?

The answer is simple: You can either: (1) Wilt away and let it drop; or (2) Find a good Personal Injury Attorney to investigate for you.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?

A good Personal Injury Lawyer will educate you about your rights, the legal bases of your claim, and the damages you may be able to recover. A good Personal Injury attorney should also advise you throughout the recovery process, helping you know what to expect. Finally, a good Personal Injury lawyer should be an effective and honest representative for you.

A good Personal Injury attorney is willing to expend the time and resources necessary to fully investigate potential injury and death claims. We hire investigators, collect the records, do the legal, engineering, and medical research to determine whether a claim exists. It is part of our job. You have nothing to lose by asking a good Personal Injury attorney to investigate an injury or death claim. Nothing. The worst that can happen is you spend 30 minutes explaining the situation to the attorney – who sees no merit, and declines to further investigate. On the other hand, the attorney may discover that a potential claim exists … and be willing to work with you.

For nearly 30 years, Johnson Law, P.C. has helped injured Alaskans navigate challenging times. And while you hope you never need us, we’re here if you do. Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Image Source: Adobe Stock