(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Alaska State Troopers, in cooperation with Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer police departments, will focus on fair traffic during a statewide enhanced enforcement starting Aug. 16 and running through Labor Day weekend. As people get out to enjoy the last bit of the Alaskan summer, troopers across the state will hit the roads for high-visibility patrols in an effort to prevent fatal and serious-injury crashes through robust DUI enforcement.

Troopers and police officers will beef up patrols on the Glenn Highway in conjunction with the Palmer State Fair that runs from Aug. 22 until Labor Day. In addition to looking for impaired motorists, troopers and police officers will be looking for seatbelt use and aggressive drivers.

A media campaign accompanies the enhanced enforcement to boost public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and other driver behavior issues. Speeding, reckless and aggressive driving, driver inattention and failure to wear seatbelts or use child safety restraints all contribute to injury and death on Alaska’s roads. Listen to your seatbelt, it could save your life.

According to the Alaska Highway Safety Office, 34 people have died in 32 motor vehicle crashes on roadways this year as of Aug. 14, an increase in the number of fatalities from last year (30 in 29 crashes) during the same time frame.

Regardless of what your ultimate plans are for the end of summer, troopers encourage you to always practice safe driving behaviors on the roads while traveling to and from your destination. If you become impaired by drugs or alcohol, plan to either stay the night or to have a sober driver take you home. Always have a plan to get home safely.

Troopers also encourage everyone to Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Funding for the focused enforcement and media campaign were provided in part by grant sources distributed through the Alaska Highway Safety Office.

Source: Alaska Department of Public Safety