Driving in Alaska can be a challenge. Although there are typically not as many drivers per square mile as there are in other states, you have a high percentage of tourists who don’t know the roads, as well as inclement weather conditions for the majority of the year. Learning to drive defensively can save your life and help you avoid damage to your vehicle. Alaska defensive driving isn’t the same as aggressive drive. While aggressive or reckless driving is dangerous and can actually result in a ticket, defensive driving encourages driving safety.

Alaska’s Weather Conditions

Before you get behind the wheel in Alaska, you need to learn Alaska driving safety in all weather conditions. In the summertime, much of Alaska is not much different than Washington, Maine, or any of the other northern continental states. However, as you travel farther and farther into Alaska, you begin to encounter more dangerous weather and, thus, more dangerous road conditions.

From early fall to late spring, you can encounter snow, ice, sleet, and wind throughout the state. In the northern part of this state, you may experience these inclement weather conditions year-round. In fact, in some parts of the state, you can’t even drive at all – you have to travel there via plane or snowmobile.

The speed limits in Alaska range from 20 to 65, depending on the type of road and type of neighborhood. Keep in mind, however, that the law specifically states that drivers must drive no faster than weather conditions allow. So, in many cases, you actually have to drive under the speed limit to stay safe. Part of Alaska defensive driving is leaving the house early so you don’t have to rush anywhere.

In order to combat the poor weather, it is also important that you keep your vehicle serviced. Alaska defensive driving relies on you having a well-maintained vehicle. In Alaska, this especially means winterizing your tires, weighing down the trunks of small cars, and making sure that your defroster works well.

Drinking and Driving in Alaska

Just because there generally aren’t as many people on the road doesn’t mean that you can put yourself and others at risk by driving and driving. Alaska driving safety depends on your functioning properly, something that isn’t possible if you have alcohol in your system. The legal limit (BAC) in Alaska is 0.08% for drivers over 21, and there is a zero tolerance for drivers under the age of 21, meaning that you can’t have any alcohol in your system if you aren’t of legal drinking age.

Drinking and driving slows your reaction time, clouds your judgment, and makes your vision blurry. Typically, the body can metabolize one drink per hour, but this varies from person to person, and your BAC might be over the legal limit even if you haven’t had anything to drink in over an hour. In Alaska, if you get behind the wheel, you are automatically agreeing to a chemical test should you be pulled over. This law is called “implied consent.” So, if you’re going to drive in Alaska, don’t have any alcohol to drink.

Alaska Driving Points

In Alaska, when you get a traffic citation, you’ll not only have to pay a fine, but you’ll also be assessed points on your license. Alaska defensive driving skills help you avoid these points, because if you accumulate too many points in a year, you’ll be forced to attend traffic school, and if you continue to accumulate points, you’ll lose your license. If you drive defensively, though, you can avoid both points and fine. Alaska defensive driving includes the following:

• Never run red lights. Although Alaska does not yet have red light cameras, police offers patrol intersections often.

• Slow down and follow signals and signs in school zones. If you’re caught speeding in a school zone, you’ll automatically be assessed 6 points, and fines are doubled.

• Avoid road rage. If you’re charged with reckless or negligent driving, you could be given enough points to cause an automatic suspension.

• Always buckle up. In Alaska, you can be pulled over for not wearing your seat belt even if you haven’t committed any other violations.

• Make sure you’re covered with at least the state minimum auto insurance. You must have auto insurance, even if you don’t own a car, if you plan to get behind the wheel.

Road Signs and Signals

As in all states, you’ll find a variety of road signs and signals in Alaska. Defensive driving in this state means that you carefully follow all of these signs and signals to avoid accidents. In addition to the typical yield signs, stop signs, red lights, and so forth, Alaska also has a variety of unique road signs, such as those to alert you to animal crossings or falling rock. Take note of these signs as you’re driving and stay alert so you’re prepared to deal with all obstacles on the road.

Remember, if you don’t follow road signs and signals, you can get a ticket. Police officers are concerned with Alaska driving safety, and if you’re running red lights, making illegal turns, and otherwise disregarding signs, you’re putting bother yourself and others at risk.

Traffic School in Alaska

Alaska defensive driving is sometimes difficult, even for people who routinely try to be better drivers. Laws change to reflect new problems on the roadways and bad habits can form over time. So, if you want to ensure that you’re driving as safely as possible, you might want to consider traffic school in Alaska.

There are a few types of traffic school. Alaska driver’s ed is typically for new drivers, and is often required for teens. You might also be forced to attend traffic school if you get certain tickets or accumulate too many points on your license. However, if you just want a refresher course, the school you want is Alaska defensive driving school.

Alaska defensive driving school is available at many DMV locations on a weekly or monthly basis. In addition, you can take courses online through programs like DrivingUniversity.com. You can take the class as often as you want, and once a year, completion of an Alaska defensive driving course will subtract two driving points from your license. It can also help you lower your insurance rates. So, if you want to learn more about Alaska driving safety and Alaska defensive driving in general, log on to DrivingUniversity.com or contact your local Alaska DMV today to find out more about Alaska defensive driving class options.