When a car accident occurs, one of the first questions that comes to mind is who/what was at fault. Some of the usual suspects? One or both drivers. A problem with one of the vehicles such as a brake failure. Even weather conditions such as rain or fog can cause an accident. But sometimes the culprit is the road itself. And in Alaska, that may be the case more often than in other states.
Alaska’s Poor Road Conditions
The Reason Foundation’s Annual Highway Report list placed Alaska’s roads at or near the bottom of their rankings for over six years. Alaska was last in 2013, moving up slightly to 49th in 2014, and currently sitting at 48th in 2018. The rankings are based upon the quality of the roads and the cost-effectiveness of the road system.
Alaska officials take issue with the report. They say the existing roads require high costs to maintain and the ranking doesn’t take newly built roads into account. The state transportation department points out improvements like underpasses and overpasses on rural roads infrequently traveled can’t be justified due to the expense. But the person who compiles the report says just the opposite is true. There are so many rural areas in Alaska that require travel to major cities. Those citizens have no choice but to use those roads.
In addition to the conditions on rural roads, the report found an increase in bad conditions on interstates. Alaska is one of five states in the entire country that has almost fifty percent of its rural interstates considered to be in poor condition. The study also found many deficient bridges in the state.
While human error and mechanical problems are the main causes of car accidents, poorly maintained roads can certainly be a contributing factor. If you think poor road conditions were the cause of an accident you were involved in, contact a reputable and experienced personal injury attorney in Alaska who can help you determine who should take responsibility for your pain and suffering. For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. at 907.452.5400 (toll free: 866.452.3741 ) or visit www.merdes.com.
Source: Juneau Empire, “Alaska’s road system ranks last in nation ,” Jennifer Canfield, July 1, 2013
Secondary Source: Washington Post, “Where America’s worst roads are – and how much they’re costing us,” Christopher Ingraham, June 25, 2015
