The Alaska Highway Safety Office (AHSO) tells us that there are almost 12,500 total car accidents statewide every year, leading to 66 fatalities. The number of alcohol-related fatal crashes in 2020 increased by 27.2% from 2019.
Unique Causes of Car Accidents in Alaska
Alaska may be picturesque, but it is no stranger to car accidents. Alaska has unique challenges related to its vast size, remote areas, and harsh weather conditions. Alaska drivers often get into car accidents due to:
Road Conditions: Alaska’s road infrastructure varies from well-maintained highways in urban areas to unpaved and challenging roads in rural and remote regions. Road conditions, including ice and snow during the winter months, can further contribute to accidents.
Weather Factors: Alaska is known for some pretty severe weather, making driving safely a challenge. The state’s extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and icy roads in the winter, can increase the risk of car accidents during certain times of the year.
Wildlife: Alaska’s wildlife, including moose and other large animals, can pose a hazard on the roadways, leading to collisions with vehicles. It’s not unheard of for polar bears to wander around! These large animal sightings cause drivers to lose focus.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
In other ways, Alaska is no different than any other state when it comes to car accidents. Drivers in Alaska often get into car crashes for the same reasons as drivers across the country. These include:
Aggressive Driving: Amongst the leading causes of car crashes in Alaska is aggressive driving, which occurs when a driver engages in unsafe behavior and disregards the safety of those on the road.
Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. It includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, and using navigation systems while driving. These distractions divert a driver’s attention from the road, making accidents more likely.
Speeding: Excessive speeding significantly increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of their outcomes. Speed limits are set to maximize safety, and drivers who exceed them have less time to react to unexpected situations, making collisions more likely.
Impaired Driving: Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs remains a major factor in car accidents. Alcohol and certain drugs impair a driver’s coordination, reaction time, and judgment, making them more likely to cause accidents.
1-800-Injured Will Help You Connect With Medical and Legal Help
If you’ve been injured and the other driver is to blame for your car accident, contact 1-800-Injured to connect with an Alaska car accident lawyer. As a referral network for personal injury victims and attorneys alike, we connect our clients with experienced professionals who can help them with their unique personal injury needs. Our network of providers is constantly growing, meaning that victims gain access to a valuable, extensive network of medical and legal professionals who are here to help. We pride ourselves on making the connection process as simple as possible for all of our clients, regardless of their unique situation or needs.