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 to personal injury lawyers in Alaska. Here are some reminders to help you stay safe on the Richardson Highway:
SLOW DOWN BETWEEN NORTH POLE AND FAIRBANKS
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.
DANGER ON THE CHENA FLOOD PROJECT OVERPASS
The Chena Flood Project Overpass presents its own dangers. As an overpass, it becomes icy more quickly 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 CONSEQUENCES OF SPEEDING
There are any number of consequences to speeding. They include the following:
- The need for increased stopping distance;
- A greater likelihood for the loss of vehicle control;
- A reduction in the effectiveness in vehicle protection equipment, such as airbags and seatbelts; and
- Increased crash severity, which leads to greater amounts of property damage and greater 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.
LIFE IS ALREADY TOO SHORT
At Merdes Law Office, P.C., we believe life is already too short. Every day is a gift. As personal injury attorneys in Alaska, we have, unfortunately, seen many examples of lives cut short due to tragic circumstances. Don’t be a statistic. Slow down on the Richardson Highway.
For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. at 866.452.3741 or visit www.Merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
