Alaskans Behind the Wheel

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the top three leading causes of fatal injuries in Alaska for nearly all age groups. However, motor vehicle traffic deaths are decreasing in Alaska. The current data shows a continuing trend of decrease in Alaska traffic fatalities from 2007 to 2012 with an exception of a upward spike in 2011.  Emphasis on Safety Corridors, increasing seatbelt and car seat use, higher enforcement of impaired driving are all attributed to reducing motor vehicle deaths.

Alaska Injury Prevention Center and its partners work together to address driving issues such as seat belt use, impaired driving, teen driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and senior driving. Additional challenges for Alaskans include dangerous road conditions due to ice, darkness, reduced or no shoulder roads, as well as drowsy and impatient summer drivers.