Built during the Klondike gold rush, the Richardson Highway was originally only five feet wide. Connecting Valdez and Fairbanks, the Richardson has long been part of the fabric of Alaska. In 2009 pollution reduction requirements resulted in truck traffic increases on the Richardson Highway. From vehicle rollovers, to moose collisions, avalanches, and car crashes… the Richardson Highway is well known.
Slow Down
If you are driving on the Richardson Highway, please, slow down! The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), reports speed as a factor in one out of every three motor vehicle fatalities. Even when driving the speed limit, you may still be going too fast for road conditions. Driver’s must be vigilant about maintaining reasonable speeds which respect both posted speed limits and road conditions.
Speeding increases driver risks which include the following:
- The need for increased stopping distance;
- A greater risk for the loss of control;
- A reduction in vehicle protection equipment effectiveness, such as airbags and seatbelts; and
- Increased crash severity, leading to greater amounts of property damage and potential injury.
Car crash injuries vary depending on the speed of the crash. Common injuries include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, traumatic brain injury, or even death. The benefit of arriving at a destination faster is far outweighed by the dangers of speeding.
The Chena Flood Project
The Chena Flood Project Overpass presents its own dangers. As an overpass, it becomes more likely to be slippery than the roadway. Even when a driver’s speed is appropriate for the general roadway, it may be too fast for the overpass. Any personal injury lawyer in Alaska is sadly familiar with tragedies that have befallen families due to an inexperienced driver, or worse, an experienced driver’s reckless disregard for differences between the conditions of pavement on the roadway versus pavement on an overpass.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Ward Merdes; NHTSA
Image Source: Trailer Life
