Pedestrian Visibility In Winter Weather

Pedestrians are difficult to see during darker days and increase winter weather safety by wearing bright, reflective clothing. Lighted vests, headlamps, or carrying a flashlight makes pedestrians more visible to drivers and others nearby. Increased visibility helps prevent accidents and keeps people safer along the roadway. Brightly colored clothing is more helpful in enhancing visibility when compared to dark or black clothing, even during daylight hours.

Vehicle Visibility

Before entering a roadway, be sure your headlights and other mandatory vehicle lights are working. During winter weather driving conditions with limited visibility, headlights and tail lights increase the likelihood of others seeing your vehicle. Keep your lights, windshield, windows, and mirrors clear of debris to maximize your visibility. Clean surfaces also help you see other drivers, pedestrians, and road hazards more clearly.

Consider Seasonal Factors

Weather hazards such as ice fog and heavy snow hinder visibility during winter months. It’s important to completely clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving on a public roadway. Clearing your vehicle helps other drivers see you more clearly. It also prevents snow or ice from falling off your vehicle and creating a dangerous hazard for others on the road.

It’s important to increase your visibility, and whether others are visible to you, year-round, not just during winter weather. Summer presents the opposite concerns of winter weather. Extended daylight often decreases overall visibility during evening hours due to the sun’s position on the horizon. Additionally, there’s a potential for smoke pollution during summer months because of wildfires. Use your headlights during times of low visibility to increase the opportunity for others to see you, and for you to see others.

Reducing motor vehicle accidents, and injuries to Alaskans, is achievable through safer driving habits. If everyone on Alaska roads traveled carefully, maintained their vehicles, and continuously considered safety both for themselves and others, far less motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian injuries would occur during winter weather and all seasons.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska auto accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

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

Image created using ChatGPT – Prompt: Vehicles and pedestrians traveling Alaska roads in winter weather

Use Extra Caution Around Road Damage And Debris

Be attentive and watch for potential roadway hazards when navigating Alaska roads. Avoid making abrupt changes in speed or direction. Drive extra cautiously when road conditions are poor. Leave additional space between vehicles when driving along a damaged roadway or a road littered with debris. Staying safe on Alaskan roads depends upon all drivers being cautious and alert.

Encountering Damaged Surfaces When Navigating Alaska Roads

Driving through a pothole can cause serious damage to your vehicle. A sharp turn or stop combined with driving across a pothole could break an axel or pop a tire. The suspension system is also at risk, as well as any existing damage or loose parts. Driving across a series of potholes can shake the vehicle and cause parts to become insecure or detach from their placement.

If a roadway is extremely damaged, it may be better to avoid it all together. Sometimes choosing to turn around and go a different way is the best choice when navigating Alaska roads.

Road Debris

Road debris in Alaska is primarily caused by thawing permafrost (resulting in road sinkage and debris flows), severe damage from studded tires, and unsecured loads on vehicles. Additionally, extreme temperature fluctuations destroy pavement, while landslides and frozen debris lobes dump dirt, rock, and trees onto highways.

Slow down when you encounter debris on the road to reduce the risk of accidents, vehicle damage, or loss of control. Lowering your speed gives you more time to react, steer safely around hazards, and lessen the impact if you cannot avoid the debris.

Slow Down While Navigating Alaska Roads

Navigating Alaska roads through a roadway with damage can be challenging. It’s important to remember to reduce your speed in these situations. Driving more slowly can provide a longer response time to avoid obstacles. Driving too quickly is potentially harmful, and even reckless, especially when driving along a damaged road.

Avoid riding closely behind another vehicle when negotiating a challenging roadway. Try to create space between your vehicle and others, even if that means allowing other vehicles to go around you. Slow down while navigating Alaska roads and arrive safely.

Alaska’s poor road conditions can be a factor in auto accidents. If poor road conditions caused an accident, injuring you or your loved ones, contact a reputable and experienced personal injury attorney in Alaska to help determine who is responsible for the resulting pain and suffering. Navigating Alaska roads should be a good experience for all drivers.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska auto accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

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

Image created using ChatGPT – Prompt: Drivers navigating a damaged Alaska road during winter

Info Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources Geological and Geophysical Surveys

Wiper Blades

A good set of wiper blades during the winter is ideal. Make checking and – if needed – replacing wiper blades part of your winter vehicle prep. Wiper blades crack and split over time, leading to slow squeaky blades which don’t perform well. When it snows, you want to make sure your wiper blades fully clear the snow off your windshield so you are able to see well while driving. Having streaks on your windshield is a sign your wiper blades need to be replaced. You may want to consider a more durable pair for Alaska’s harsher climate.

Winter Vehicle Prep: Tires

Placing a pair of sturdy winter tires on your vehicle is on of the most important things you can do during winter vehicle prep. Verify the area you live in allows the types of tires you plan to place on your vehicle. Winter tires provide extra traction and help with ice and snow buildup. Research your local city for shops that can assist with placing winter tires on your vehicle. Check local ordinances on how long you can keep the tires on.

Maintenance: Tire Pressure

Maintaining the appropriate tire pressure for your vehicle is imperative. Fill any tires that are low before driving. In cooler weather, tire pressure can fluctuate. If you park your vehicle in a garage and then start driving in the cold, you may notice it fluctuate. As part of winter vehicle prep, put an air compressor in your vehicle. You never know when you will need one.

Finally, update your emergency kit during winter vehicle prep to help keep occupants warm, dry and hydrated. If your vehicle breaks down or you get stuck in a storm, the supplies located in these kits will aid you until emergency responders arrive. Stay prepared so you can drive safely this winter season.

To sum up, winter vehicle prep is the best way to help avoid potential disasters later. Alaska winter is here. A little planning goes a long way to ensuring better living. Regardless of the season.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans injured in winter driving accidents 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: Consumer Reports

Image Source: Alaska Public Media

Getting Started At Home

Autumn vehicle care starts at home. Be sure your defroster and heaters are working well. Alaska’s winters are cold. If it takes a long time to warm up your car, you may want to make an appointment to have your heating system repaired.

Wiper blades wear down over time and may need replacing after so much use during the rainy summer Alaska had this year. Replace wiper blades that streak, smear, or squeak.

Check levels of wiper fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. Refill low fluids using the appropriate thickness and mixtures for cooler temperatures.

Finally, check under your hood for any signs of wear or damage. Check for frayed belts, brittle hoses, and cracks or leaks. Also, be sure the battery and electrical systems are in good working order as part of your autumn vehicle care.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Sometimes autumn vehicle care is more complex than the average person’s skill levels. Schedule an appointment to have winter tires put on your vehicle as soon as possible. Consider local laws and weather forecasts prior to scheduling your tire change. Some places only allow studded tires during a specific time because of their potential to damage roadways. Minimally, be sure the air pressure in your tires is safe for colder weather and icy roads.

Always hire a professional for recommended 30/60/90 maintenance. Furthermore, make an appointment for potential problems such as dashboard warning lights, strange noises, and steering or brake issues. Additionally, complex issues like transmission, internal engine works, and electrical system malfunctions require specialized knowledge and tools that only a professional mechanic can provide. 

Car Maintenance For A Safer Alaska

Help keep yourself and others safe on the road this season by winterizing your vehicle as part of your autumn vehicle care . A few extra tasks could help save you from an accident, auto damage and a costly insurance claim. 

Johnson Law has been serving Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

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

Source: Alaska Service Agency; and Drive Safely: Winterizing your vehicle: Where to start

Image Source: Sudsy Salmon Car Wash – Eagle River, Alaska

Alaska Summer Driving and Cell Phones

The use of cell phones while driving increases the chances of an accident. This is especially true when dealing with Alaska Summer Driving weather and lighting conditions which affect Alaskan roadways. It is essential for you and other drivers on the road not to be distracted by cellphone usage. Texting or reading text messages while driving is both extremely dangerous and a leading cause of accidents. 

Using GPS for Alaska Summer Driving

A common hazard that doesn’t occur to people is using a GPS. Many people believe GPS is an excellent convenience while operating a motor vehicle; however, it can be dangerous. Drivers need to be conscious of their actions and pull over when needed. Especially when setting the GPS or when trying to understand its directions while Alaska Summer Driving. One distraction is one too many. 

Beware of Animals Crossing Alaskan Roads

When operating a motor vehicle anytime, especially while Alaska Summer Driving, it is essential to be aware that animals sometimes find their way into the road. This means that it is crucial for drivers to always drive at safe speeds and keep their eyes on the road to have time to react appropriately if an incident like this were to occur. 

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions in Alaska can make operating a motor vehicle even more dangerous than in some other states. Some Alaska roads can be covered with ice – even in the summer. In addition, certain geographic conditions make roads even more dangerous. For example, the angle of the midnight sun in the summer affects visibility.  Below are four simple rules to increase Alaska Summer Driving safety:

1. Wear a seat belt
2. Reduce your speed
3. Stay focused
4. Service and maintain your vehicle and tires

Whether taking a road trip, driving to and from work, or enjoying summer activities in Alaska, Johnson Law wishes Alaskans a safe and happy summer.

Part One of a three-part Alaska Summer Safety series. See: Part Two – Alaska Summer Biking Safety; and Part Three – Alaska Summer Water Safety.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

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

Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); Alaska Car Transport

Image Source: Alaska.org