From the Alaska Department of Transportation: "There are more traffic deaths in July and August than any other month in Alaska. We’ve already seen more traffic fatalities this year than we have in several years and we are concerned. We are losing too many Alaskans. The sad part is that many of these deaths were 100% preventable. Choices with speed, alcohol and seatbelts played a role in many of these tragedies.
"2011 is shaping up to a record bad year. As of May 13th, Alaska has had 24 fatalities; almost double the number of deaths at this same time in 2010, 2009 or 2008. Preliminary reports show that skidding, swerving, or sliding due to poor weather and road conditions were involved in 27% of the crashes, unsafe speed played a role in 23%, driver alcohol was suspected in 18%, and driver distraction was involved in 18%. Early reports show that eight occupants who died chose not to use their seatbelt. All fatal crashes have multiple factors, meaning a driver can be impaired, distracted, and driving in poor weather conditions that all contributed to their demise."
See the complete statistics from 2005 to 2011 at the DOTPF web site. The good news is that seat belt compliance is at 87%, up from 66% in 2002. DOTPF encourages Alaskans to report dangerous drivers immediately by calling 9-1-1.
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