Drive Slowly Through School Zones

While school has been in session for the past weeks across Alaska, there are still continual adjustments being made in transporting children to and from school. Be cautious when driving through school zones. Autumn driving in Alaska includes additional responsibilities. Be extremely careful when approaching a school bus and always stop when the stop sign is displayed and red lights are flashing.

Look For Hazards

Unexpected hazards such as fallen trees, loose pets, or wildlife can be dangerous to drivers when autumn driving in Alaska. Fallen leaves covering a roadway can be very hazardous. Obstacles such as potholes or road damage can be hidden from view. Leaves and fallen branches can create obstacles for pedestrians and cyclists as well, which in turn could cause them to stray from their path.

Maintain Your Vehicle For Autumn Driving In Alaska

It’s incredibly important to be sure your vehicle is maintained properly for all seasons, including autumn driving in Alaska. Ensure all headlights are in proper working order before driving. Be extra cautious when driving during hours with limited daylight.

Tire pressure is often impacted when the temperature drops. Check your tire pressure often during colder months. Maintaining proper tire pressure ensures tires provide good traction when autumn driving in Alaska and extends the life of tires.

It’s also important to check fluid levels and electrical connections for autumn driving in Alaska. If you’re not comfortable or confident in checking your battery charge and connection it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic before the temperature regularly drops below freezing.

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

Sources: AAA and DriversEd.com

Image Source: Travel Alaska

Adjust For The Sun During Alaska Autumn

When leaving indoors, allow your eyes to adjust for a few minutes before jumping behind the wheel. As Alaska heads toward the autumnal equinox, we lose daylight daily and eyes need time to adjust after leaving home or work. Additionally, consider sun glare while driving. The sun aligns with roadways during sunrise and sunset this time of year and can make it harder to see. Additionally, sunlight reflects off frost and ice causing blurred or lost vision.

The Days Are Shorter

During the Alaska Autumn, our days get shorter, you may find yourself driving to and from work in the dark. Drive more safely by keeping your headlights clean and in proper working order; dim or misaligned headlights can decrease your visibility. Watch for pedestrians walking, jogging or biking. They may be difficult to see in dusky light. Be mindful of children walking to and from bus stops in the morning and afternoon. Fall is also an active breeding time for moose and caribou – SLOW DOWN for safer fall driving.

Caution – Wet Road Ahead

Alaska Autumn means rainstorms, causing slippery roads. Hydroplaning is a concern during the fall season and can be avoided with increased caution. Additionally, wet leaves might be just as slippery as ice. Never stop on wet leaves, drive slowly through piles of leaves and avoid hard braking when possible. Pay attention to the edge of the road to avoid obstructions that may be hidden by leaves. Stay alert – Alaskan roads often have sudden dangerous drop offs hidden by road debris. SLOW DOWN for safer fall driving.

Road Conditions Change Rapidly During Alaska Autumn

Increases in moisture and low overnight temperatures can cause a buildup of frost, making roads more dangerous. Bridges and narrow roads are at greater risk of icy buildup. Stay alert and SLOW DOWN to avoid an accident caused by ice buildup. It is harder to see ice on bridges, especially when combined with wet leaves.

Finally, falling branches or trees are a major concern during Alaska autumn and winter months. Alaska has many roads with low travel patterns and branches laying on the roadway for long periods of time is not uncommon. Use caution when traveling a new traffic patterns, watch for fallen trees or branches.

Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially during Alaska Autumn. SLOW DOWN for safer fall driving. Enjoy the scenery and stay safer on the roads this season.

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

Sources: AAA

Image Source: Alaska Adventures