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August 2007 FOCUS ON...
Long summer days are still the norm, and while many Anchorage residents are still thinking of that next weekend camping trip, the reality is the school year is almost here. Wednesday, August 22nd, is the first day of school for Anchorage students. Thousands of children – from the excited kindergartener to the tenured high school senior – will be out in force that day. Many students will walk a short distance through neighborhoods to a bus stop; others will walk the entire way to school, and many teenagers will be on the roads driving. More traffic – both pedestrian and vehicular – will be on the roadway system beginning early that morning and each weekday morning thereafter for the next nine months. While the first day of school is generally an exciting day for students, it is an important day for motorists as well. Traffic patterns across the city will be changed to reflect school zones. There are numerous areas that will have reduced speed limits, signified by flashing yellow lights and signs. Motorists, as well as children, will need to pay close attention to their surroundings and be acutely aware of each others presence.
Parents are encouraged to educate their children on the safety rules of walking and traffic: • Children should always use marked crosswalks or with a crossing guard – never in the middle of the block.
Every motorist can avoid the sting of a citation by obeying the posted school zone speed limit and other rules of the road. By exercising patience and courtesy, everyone can avoid a tragedy and be part of a safe and healthy school year. Traffic Tip of the Month Two-Way Left Turn Lanes
Many motorists use this center lane as a ‘merge’ lane or just plain ignore the ‘turn’ signs and drive in the lane. There are traffic ordinances specific to these types of violations, and for good reason. Any vehicle action taken outside of what the lane is designated for can cause a collision. Motorists who are traveling in the thru lanes on either side of the center two-way left turn lane have the expectation (rightfully) that no vehicles will turn right out of the lane. State and municipal traffic engineers designate roadways that have need of two-way left-turn lanes. A two-way left-turn lane is a lane near the center of the roadway, set aside for the use by vehicles making left turns in both directions from the roadway. Two-way left-turn lanes are designated by distinctive roadway markings consisting of parallel double yellow lines. The interior line is dashed and the exterior line is solid on each side of the lane. Left turn arrows are painted on the pavement inside the lane and at times are indicated by signage. Anchorage Municipal code 9.22.015(c) states: A vehicle shall not be driven in a designated two-way left-turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from the roadway, or when preparing for or making a turn in the opposite direction when otherwise permitted by law. A left turn or turn in the opposite direction shall not be made from any other lane where a two-way left-turn lane has been designated. Anchorage Municipal code 9.22.015(d) states: A vehicle shall not be driven in excess of 150 feet in any designated two-way let-turn lane. What does this mean to motorists? It means that the two-way left-turn lane can only be used when making a left or a turn in the opposite direction (when a U-turn is permitted). Additionally, once a vehicle enters a two-way left-turn lane, a motorist may not drive in excess of 150 feet. So – for that impatient motorist insistent on getting to the Tudor/Lake Otis intersection – stay out of the center two-way left turn lane, drive in the through lane and avoid a citation (or worse, a collision)! Violation of this ordinance is punishable with a $75.00 fine and 2 points assessed against a drivers license. Traffic Tip of the Month Tinted Windows If you have ever traveled on Anchorage roads, you have probably seen it - a vehicle with darkly tinted windows. It may cause you pause, or may even have you consider applying tinted film on your own vehicle windows. Whether you may want to control glare, provide privacy, or enhance your vehicle’s appearance; there are important safety facts and tips to consider: The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) sets the standard for automobile manufacturers as it relates to the tinting or glazing of windows [Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, Glazing Materials (49 CFR §571.205)]. A provision in Standard No. 205 requires a minimum of 70 percent light transmittance in any glazing area requisite for driving visibility.
In trucks and multipurpose vehicles like some vans or sport utility vehicles (MPVs are designated by manufacturer and usually posted near the VIN), the rear and rear side windows (rearward of the “C” pillar) are considered not requisite for driving visibility and therefore come from the manufacturer with privacy glass or windows darker than the minimum of 70 percent light transmittance. It is illegal in the State of Alaska (13 AAC 04.223) and within the Municipality of Anchorage (AMC 09.36.045) to have mirrored tinting material or aftermarket tint on any of your windows with the following exceptions: 1) The glass immediately in front of the driver may have a strip of tinting material applied to the top edge, known in the industry as “eyebrow,” which does not extend downward more than five inches from the top of the glass. 2) The windows immediately to the driver’s right and left may have tinting material that permits at least 70 percent light transmittance. 3) The rear door windows, quarter glasses, and back glasses may have tinting material that permits at least 40 percent light transmittance. 4) Limousines and passenger buses used to transport persons for hire, motor homes and vehicles identified by the vehicles manufacturer as multipurpose may have tinting material that complies with Standard No. 205, Glazing Materials, in 49 C.F.R. 471.205/571.205 (1992). 5) The windows of a vehicle may have tinting material that permits less light transmittance than that specified if the driver or passenger who frequently travels in the vehicle is required for medical reasons to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun, the medical reasons are certified annually by a physician licensed to practice in this state, and the certification is carried in the vehicle. Consider the 70 percent light transmittance requirement; most new vehicles today have the front windshield, and the front driver or front passenger windows at or just above the specified requirement. Therefore, any film tint added will most likely make your front windows illegal. If you are considering having your windows tinted, or, if you own a vehicle with tinted windows please keep in mind that during the early morning and evening hours (especially in the fall or winter months), it is most important to be able to have maximum visibility out of your windows. Bottom line - if you keep your vehicle in factory condition by not adding tint film and keep your windows clean and free of obstructions, you will maximize your visibility and reduce the chance of a collision. You will also reduce the chance of being stopped and cited. The Anchorage Police Department primarily enforces the municipal ordinance for tinted windows. Violations are considered correctable or "fix it" traffic offenses. The citation will indicate zero points, with a $150 fine and $10 surcharge if the deficiency is not corrected within a specified amount of time. The corrected vehicle and copy of the citation must be taken to APD Headquarters where a tint meter will be used to confirm the correction. Traffic Tip of the Month Overtaking and Passing Parked Emergency Vehicles ("Move Over Law") Each year across the nation, numerous public safety employees are injured or killed when they are stuck by motorists. In September 2005, a new state law was passed that provides protection to law enforcement officers, fire fighters and medics when their vehicles are stopped on the side of a road while they are working. This could be a police officer or trooper on a traffic stop, or an ambulance crew assisting an injured person. The purpose of this law was to provide a safety zone so their duties can be carried out safely.
Here is an example of how to safely and lawfully pass an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road: You are traveling south on Minnesota Drive near 100th, in the right lane, and you are approaching a police officer who has a vehicle stopped on the right shoulder of the road. To comply with the law, you must move over to the left lane before passing the police vehicle, as long as you can do so safely. If there is a vehicle in the left lane that restricts your ability to safely move over, then you must slow your vehicle to a reasonable speed before passing the police vehicle. It’s simple – please give emergency personnel room when you see them on the side of the road – it keeps them and the people they are dealing with safe. Violations carry two points and a mandatory court appearance. If, however, injury occurs as a result of the violation, it is a class A misdemeanor. This information is courtesy of the Anchorage Police Department's Traffic Unit. Traffic Tip of the Month Motorcycle Licensing and Registration Even though Alaska has a very short riding season, we have an incredibly high motorcycle riding population. One of the requirements to operate a motorcycle in Alaska is the motorcycle must be properly registered with the license plate securely fastened and visible. Anchorage Municipal Code 9.52.030 A states: Every motor vehicle which is required to be licensed by the state and which is operated in the municipality shall: 1. Be currently registered and have such registration attached to the vehicle. 2. Have a rear license plate, securely fastened in compliance with AS 28.10.171, and a front license plate if a front plate is required by the State of Alaska or the state where the vehicle is registered, with the correct registration numbers for the vehicle securely attached to the vehicle and illuminated as required in section 9.44.060 3. Have the correct month and year of expiration affixed to the license plate as required by the state. What does this mean to motorcyclists? It means that each motorcycle, operated on the roadway, must have a current registration tab affixed to the license plate assigned to that motorcycle. The license plate must be permanently attached to the motorcycle in a manner that allows it to be clearly legible. Mounting the license plate inside the rear wheel well is a violation of this section and is punishable with a $90.00 citation. As this is not a moving violation, there are no DMV points assessed. This information is courtesy of the Anchorage Police Department's Traffic Unit. Traffic Tip of the Month WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION Every year in Anchorage, police officers respond to thousands of traffic collisions. Most of these crashes result in property damage only. About 15% result in injuries to somebody involved in the crash. Here are some pointers on what to do if you are involved in a collision. 1. Assess yourself and everyone in your vehicle for injuries. If someone in your car is injured, try to stay calm. Do not leave the vehicle unless you see that staying in the vehicle might be more hazardous than getting out, such as the vehicle smoking heavily, an air bag deployment or you can see flames. 2. Check with the occupants of other vehicles to see if anyone else is injured. Give assistance as needed. 3. Report the collision to the police. In Anchorage, the number is 786-8500 for non-emergency response and 911 for emergency response. You should only dial 911 if someone is injured. According to Municipal Ordinance 09.10.060A, any collision involving injury must be reported immediately, or if the combined damage to all vehicles and property involved is greater than $500. It is the driver's responsibility to report the collision, unless the driver is incapacitated. In that case, the responsibility falls to passengers. 5. While waiting for the police to arrive, gather up the information the officer will need. This includes your driver’s license, the vehicle registration, and the proof of insurance for the vehicle. This information will be used for the collision report and will be exchanged with the other drivers. 6. Unless there is injury and/or the vehicles are unmovable due to damage, the roadway needs to be cleared for safety of you and other motorists. Pull off the roadway into a parking lot, onto a side street or other safety zone. Provide this location and your vehicle description to the police dispatcher. Remember, the best preparation for a collision is to avoid it. Keep your speed within the posted limits and allow for ample room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Do not respond to aggressive behaviors by other motorists. Also, allow for plenty of time to get to your destination so you are not tempted to rush. Traffic Tips for a Safe July 4th Holiday July 4th is the second-most-deadly holiday period of the year – just behind New Year’s – du Drunk driving is a serious crime. If you're caught we'll place you under arrest. No exceptions. No excuses. Much of the tragedy that comes from impaired-driving related crashes could be prevented if everyone would take a few simple precautions before going out to party this Fourth of July. Always follow these tips for a safer July 4th celebration:
Impaired Driving is a Deadly Problem • Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. Overall in 2004, more than 15,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator who was impaired by alcohol. In Anchorage last year, 8 of the 15 fatality collisions involved alcohol – over 50 percent – a number that needs to decrease. • Too many people still don’t understand that alcohol or drugs and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident—nor is it a victimless crime. • Legislators and law enforcement officials are becoming even more vigilant in combating impaired driving. The Anchorage Police Department has officers specifically assigned to DUI and DUI/Drug detection units. Impaired Driving Creates Serious Consequences • The tragedies and costs from drinking and driving impaired do not just end at the potential death, disfigurement, disability and injury caused by impaired drivers. • Driving or riding a motorcycle while impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. • Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, other fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, etc. • Refuse a sobriety test and you can lose your license on the spot and have your car impounded. • Plus, there is the added embarrassment, humiliation, and potential loss and consequence after informing family, friends and employers. Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. • Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Drunk driving is a serious crime. We will be out in force looking for drunk drivers. Remember: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. This information is courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Anchorage Police Department's Traffic Unit. Traffic Tip of the Month 10 Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety Anchorage has scores of bike riders that enjoy both trail and road riding. Each summer police respond to numerous collisions involving bicycles and vehicles that could have been prevented. Unfortunately, bicyclists don't have the same protections vehicle occupants have - seat belts and lots of metal surrounding them - and must take extra precautions to stay safe. Below are some tips that will help as you take off on your bicycle to enjoy a beautiful summer day: 1. Protect your head. Wear a helmet. In Anchorage, riders under the age of 16 are required by law to wear a bicycle helmet (AMC 9.38.200). 2. Assure bicycle readiness. Make sure your bicycle is adjusted properly. 3. Stop it. Always check brakes before riding. 4. See and Be Seen. Wear bright, reflective clothing. 5. Avoid biking at night. 6. Stay alert. Always keep a lookout for obstacles in your path. 7. Go with the flow. The safe way is the RIGHT way. 8. Check for traffic. Always be aware of the traffic around you. 9. Learn the rules of the road. Obey all traffic laws. 10. Don't flip over your bicycle. Wheels should be securely fastened. The ordinances for bicycles can be found in Anchorage Municipal Code 9.38. A link is available on APD's website at www.muni.org/apd. Click on the 'Municipal Code' link to Title 9, Chapter 38. This information is courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Anchorage Police Department's Traffic Unit. Traffic Tip of the Month Primary Seat Belt Law In January 2006 Alaska became the 23rd state to enact and pass a primary seat belt law. May 1st, the effective date of the law, marked the first day of enforcement statewide. Law enforcement officers in Anchorage and across the state are committed to ensuring motorists comply with the law, thereby reducing injuries and deaths on Alaskan roadways. So what exactly is a PRIMARY seat belt law? And how does it differ from the seat belt law previous to this one? Alaska has had a mandatory seat belt law since 1989. For any occupant in a motor vehicle over the age of 16, the law was a ‘secondary’ violation. Motorists could not be stopped unless an officer observed a different violation first. Once stopped, however, the seat belt violation could be ticketed. If an officer observed any occupants under 16 years of age not wearing seat belts it was a primary stop. In essence, the only change to the law is the change from a secondary to a primary violation. Officers can now stop a vehicle and issue a citation for a seat belt violation even if it was the only violation observed. Remember – seat belts have been required for all motor vehicle occupants since 1989 – that’s 17 years! What can you expect now? Law enforcement officers will conduct a coordinated, statewide effort to boost compliance with the seat belt law. Officers will be fair, consistent and compassionate when enforcing the law. The goal is to change behavior and save lives. Every year in Alaska too many people lose their lives in motor vehicle collisions because they weren’t wearing seat belts. In Anchorage these numbers are staggering. In 2004, 30 people died in motor vehicle collisions – 11 of them were seat belt related. Last year, 15 people were killed in crashes - 6 due to a lack of seat belts. Alaska trails the national average for seat belt use. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 3 – 33. As the largest state, we should be an example and lead the national average by encouraging seat belt use, thereby saving lives and the high cost all of us pay for these collisions. It’s not a hard choice – Click It or Ticket - seat belts do save lives. Traffic Tip of the Month Construction Zone Double Fines Each summer in Anchorage marks warmer temperatures, tourists and increased vehicular traffic on the roadways. It also marks the beginning of summer road construction, which often continues throughout the entire season. Construction zones are clearly marked with approved signs. Often, these signs will indicate a reduced speed limit through the zone. The reduced speed is for several reasons – roadway work in progress as well as workers within the zone – which requires motorists slow down for safety reasons. While the reduced speed is in effect twenty-four hours a day, due to the road surface work, there may not always be workers within the zone. This does not alleviate the fact that the speed, by ordinance and signing, must be reduced. In addition to the reduced speed, any violation that occurs within a construction work zone is subject to double fines. This means, for example, any lane change violation or other traffic infraction carries twice the amount of the normal fine. Anchorage Municipal Code 9.48.130 is the fine schedule for traffic violations. It states “ In accordance with AS 28.05.151, a citation issued for violation of any of the following sections of this title shall be subject to disposition with payment of a fine in lieu of a court appearance or as otherwise prescribed. Violations committed within highway work zones shall be subject to double the fine amount indicated.” To put it in perspective, a speeding ticket for traveling 25 mph over the limit would be increased from $300.00 to $600. 00. While the term ‘highway’ may indicate an actual ‘highway’, by definition, it includes every publicly maintained street that is open for purposes of vehicular travel. This means any construction zone, whether it is on the Seward Highway, the Glenn Highway, or on any city street, is subject to double fines. Bottom line – slow down in construction zones – not only for your safety, but also for the safety of the workers within the zone. Traffic Tip of the Month Basic Speed - Too Fast For Conditions Every winter season brings icy roads, hazardous conditions and collisions. Often a driver is cited for ‘basic speed’ when a collision occurs, yet the speed limit was not violated. At times this is confusing for the motorist who receives the citation, because they were not ‘speeding’ in the usual sense. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions – and are the maximum one should travel. During certain conditions – rain, snow, icy roads, heavy traffic conditions – motorists should adjust their speed accordingly. This means traveling under the posted speed limit should it be necessary to keep your vehicle under control. Anchorage Municipal Ordinance 9.26.010 - Speed to Be Safe and Appropriate For Existing Conditions states “No person may drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazard then existing. Consistent with this provision, every person shall drive at a safe and appropriate speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazards exist with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or street conditions.” So what does this really mean? Here’s an example: You are traveling on Tudor Road, where the posted speed is 45 miles per hour. Road conditions are icy, its rush hour, and traffic is heavy. You are traveling at or below the posted speed. You attempt to stop in traffic that is slowing in front of you, but are unable to do so due to the icy road, and you begin to skid on the ice. Your vehicle begins to fishtail and you strike another vehicle. An officer responds to investigate the collision and cites you for Basic Speed, based upon the language in the ordinance above – “reasonable and prudent under the conditions……..or by reason of weather or street conditions.” Simply put, if conditions are such that travel is hazardous or even dangerous, drivers are tasked with slowing to a speed that will allow them to maintain control of their vehicles at all times. Bottom line – slow down, give the vehicle in front of you plenty of room and wear your seat belt. Violations of this ordinance carry a $90.00 fine with a 2 point assessment on drivers licenses. Traffic Tip of the Month Buckle Up for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving weekend kicks off one of the nation’s busiest travel seasons of the year, as families, friends and loved ones gather together for the first of many year-end holidays. In Anchorage and other areas of Alaska, travel of this type is no different. Numerous motorists are on the roads early, traveling to and from the homes of loved ones. Tragically, many of these people will not wear seatbelts while they are traveling, putting themselves and loved ones at risk of serious injury or death. Nationwide, the number of traffic fatalities projected for this holiday weekend is over 500. In Anchorage, the goal is to have every resident on the roadway enjoy their holiday festivities and travel safely. That is why the Anchorage Police Department is joining with other national, state and local law enforcement officials this Thanksgiving to strongly remind all holiday travelers, drivers and passengers to always buckle up – every trip, every time. Although a record number of Alaskans are now wearing safety belts while driving or riding in vehicles – over 78 percent – too many people still do not. Last year in Anchorage, thirty people died in traffic collisions; eleven of those were the result of not wearing seat belts. So far this year, thirteen people have died in traffic crashes in Anchorage. Five of the thirteen died because they did not buckle up. Each death could have been prevented with the simple buckling of a safety belt. Crashes can happen to anyone, anytime. The road and weather conditions in Alaska during the holidays only increase the chance of being involved. Seat belts are the single most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones in a crash. This Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to remind all family, friends and loved ones to Buckle up – Every Trip, Every Time. Traffic Tip of the Month Following Too Close Anchorage is fast approaching that time of year when fender-benders are a daily occurrence. In order to avoid being one of those numbers, there are a few things that each of us can do to reduce or completely avoid a collision. Following too close or “tailgating” is considered an aggressive driving behavior. It is dangerous in all weather and road conditions and can have tragic consequences. Last year in Anchorage, in a case of road rage that involved allegations of tailgating, a woman lost her life. Because of the often poor driving conditions we experience each winter, the need for space - and patience - increases. Anchorage Municipal Code 9.16.100, Following Too Close, governs what a motorist's actions should be when traveling behind another vehicle. There are two simple ways to ensure you are giving the vehicle in front of you appropriate room. The first - commonly referred to as the "two second rule" - uses a stationary object on the side of the roadway, such as a light pole, to gauge distance. When the vehicle in front of you passes that object, your vehicle should not pass it until a count of two seconds has elapsed. The second, and perhaps easier method, is to allow at least two car lengths (at least 30 feet) between you and the vehicle in front of you, for every 10 miles per hour of speed. If you are traveling on the Glenn Highway at 65 miles per hour, you should have a minimum of 195 feet between you and the vehicle in front. This safe following distance allows a motorist space for driver reaction time, in order to stop on icy roads for obstructions or other traffic. A vehicle traveling 65 miles per hour travels 95 feet per second; the average driver's reaction time to an emergency situation is 1 1/2 to 2 seconds. Having almost 200 feet between you and the vehicle in front allows room to stop before a collision occurs, reducing the chance of injury or death. Following too close is a 4 point violation and carries a fine of $90.00. Traffic Tip of the Month Loud Music in Vehicles How many times have you been sitting at a traffic light next to a vehicle that is blaring deafening music? The ground beneath can literally shake with some of the sound systems installed in motor vehicles. Imagine trying to warn the driver of a hazard, but due to the amplified sound inside his or her vehicle, the driver cannot hear your horn. Additionally, the ability to hear approaching emergency vehicles is greatly diminished or completely absent. This can lead to delayed response times for emergency responders and increases the chance of a collision should the driver not yield to the emergency vehicle. In the municipality of Anchorage, it is illegal to play music from a parked or moving vehicle that can be heard from a distance of greater than 25 feet away. Anchorage Municipal Code 15.70.095 deals with excessively loud music in motor vehicles. It states, “ Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code, with the exception of this chapter, no person operating in or in control of a parked or moving motor vehicle shall operate or permit the operation of an electronically amplified sound system in or on the motor vehicle so as to produce sound that is clearly audible at 25 feet or more from the motor vehicle. For the purpose of this section, the phrase "clearly audible" means that sound is transferred to the auditor, such as but not limited to being able to understand spoken or sung words, or comprehension of musical rhythms.” In addition to the obvious roadway dangers presented, loud music blaring from a motor vehicle disturbs residential areas. Alaskans play hard during the long summer days, but still desire the ability to enjoy peace and quiet. Fines for violation of this ordinance are graduated and stiff. First offenders face a civil penalty of $100.00 for the first violation, $300.00 for the second violation within six months of the first violation, and $1,000.00 and forfeiture of the sound system or components of the sound system up to $1,000.00 in value, for the third violation within one year of the first violation. Traffic Tip of the Month Bicyclists – Stop & Yield Rules Vehicles and bicycles are a common sight in Anchorage during the summertime. What is not so common, however, is the knowledge needed to safely traverse the roadway system. This lack of knowledge of traffic law can often lead to a motor vehicle and bicycle meeting in an unpleasant manner. Anchorage Municipal Code 9.38.060 C states the duties of bicycle riders when entering roadways and streets. It states: “Persons operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk, recreational trail or bike trail must stop prior to entering a roadway or street and shall yield the right-of-way to traffic before crossing the roadway or street.” Very simply, each time a bicyclist encounters an intersecting roadway or street, he or she must stop and yield to any traffic. This would include traversing entrances to parking lots, etcetera. Unfortunately, most vehicle/bicycle collisions are a result of this type of situation – the bicyclist simply is unaware they must stop, and continue across into the path of a motor vehicle. The rules for bicycles, as well as all traffic laws, can be found at the Loussac Library, and online at the municipality’s website (www.muni.org). It is good practice to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road regarding bicycles prior to each riding season, and instruct your children how to keep safe. Also, remember to wear an important piece of safety equipment – a bicycle helmet – at all times. Violations of this ordinance carry a $40.00 fine. As with all bicycle violations, there are no points accessed toward driving records. Traffic Tip of the Month Construction Zones Each spring, Anchorage residents are receipents of two seasons - spring and construction. Increased vehicular traffic and aggressive drivers provide a dangerous mix for both motorists and construction workers. Construction zones are clearly marked with approved signs. Often, these signs will indicate a reduced speed limit through the zone. The reduced speed is for several reasons – roadway work in progress as well as workers within the zone – which requires motorists slow down for safety reasons. While the reduced speed is in effect twenty-four hours a day, due to the road surface work, there may not always be workers within the zone. This does not alleviate the fact that the speed, by ordinance and signing, must be reduced. In addition to the reduced speed, any violation that occurs within a construction work zone is subject to double fines. This means, for example, any lane change violation or other traffic infraction carries twice the amount of the normal fine. Anchorage Municipal Code 9.48.130 is the fine schedule for traffic violations. It states “ In accordance with AS 28.05.151, a citation issued for violation of any of the following sections of this title shall be subject to disposition with payment of a fine in lieu of a court appearance or as otherwise prescribed. Violations committed within highway work zones shall be subject to double the fine amount indicated.” To put it in perspective, a speeding ticket for traveling 25 mph over the limit would be increased from $300.00 to $600. 00. While the term ‘highway’ may indicate an actual ‘highway’, by definition, it includes every publicly maintained street that is open for purposes of vehicular travel. This means any construction zone, whether it is on the Seward Highway, the Glenn Highway, or on any city street, is subject to double fines. Bottom line – slow down in construction zones – not only for your safety, but also for the safety of the workers within the zone. Traffic Tip of the Week THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, IF YOU CATCH A BUZZ, The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest on the nation’s roadways and also one of the most dangerous, due to a high incidence of alcohol-related traffic crashes. That’s why the Anchorage Police Department is joining with other national, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone this holiday season to always designate a sober driver before each holiday party or event involving alcohol. The month of December and the New Year’s Eve holiday are also highlighted by significant increases in state and local law enforcement efforts to combat impaired driving. This holiday season is supposed to be a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations; unfortunately, it is also a time when we see a tragic jump in the number of alcohol-related highway fatalities. That’s why we are out early reminding everyone this holiday season - if you catch a buzz, catch a ride. Nationally, more than 17,000 people died in alcohol-related highway crashes during 2003. Every 30 minutes, nearly 50 times a day, someone in America dies in an alcohol-related crash. Hundreds of thousands more are injured each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. Here are some simple reminders for a safer holiday season: Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired are significant - not the way you want to spend your holiday season. So remember, this holiday season, if you catch a buzz, catch a ride. Traffic Tip of the Week TIPS FOR SAFE WINTER DRIVING The Three P's of Safe Winter Driving: PREPARE - PROTECT YOURSELF - PREVENT CRASHES - (This information is courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.) Traffic Tip of the Week Overtaking and Passing Parked Emergency Vehicles ("Move Over Law") Each year across the nation, numerous public safety employees are injured or killed when they are stuck by motorists. In early September, a new state law was passed that provides prot |
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How many times have you been driving on a roadway that has a center two-way left turn lane, only to have a vehicle turn right out of that lane in front of you? Or how about the driver that insists on driving in that center lane to get past traffic stopped in the through lanes? (Think eastbound Tudor Road approaching Lake Otis at rush hour.) If it startled you, caused you to take evasive action to avoid a crash or made you wonder what the meaning of a two-way left turn lane is, you are not alone!
The primary purpose of this requirement is to ensure adequate visibility through the vehicle's windows, thereby reducing the risk of a motor vehicle crash. In passenger cars, almost all windows are considered requisite for driving visibility. The Mercedes in the photograph on the left is an example of heavy aftermarket tinting and is illegal in Alaska.
Dubbed the “Move Over Law”, the language can be found in Alaska Statute 28.35.185. The statute states that when an emergency vehicle is stopped, with emergency lights flashing, on a highway or roadway, and there are more than two lanes traveling in the same direction, a motorist shall safely vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, or shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent when passing the emergency vehicle. The picture on the left, taken on Minnesota Drive, shows a traffic stop where a passing motorist fails to move to the clear left lane. 
e to impaired driving.