Tips for Driving in Alaska

When driving in Alaska, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The weather can be quite different from what you’re used to, and the roads can be treacherous. There are also a lot of wild animals in Alaska, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Get to know the DOs and DON’Ts of driving in Alaska before embarking on your road trip.

(1) What driving in Alaska is like

Alaska’s highways are often long and remote, so be sure to pack plenty of food and water for your journey and make sure your car is in good working order before you start. Driving and exploring Alaska in the winter can be dangerous because many of the roads are not plowed or sanded, so they can be extremely slippery. If you are a tourist planning to travel to Alaska in the winter to view the Northern Lights, check the road conditions ahead of time, since most of the sites are remote. Finally, drivers need to take into account the condition of the roads in Alaska. Many of the roads are unpaved and can be quite bumpy, so drivers need to slow down and take it easy when driving on them.

(2) Wildlife to be aware of while driving

There is an abundance of wildlife in Alaska, and they can often wander onto the road. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled and always be prepared for the unexpected! Moose are common in this state, and they can be very dangerous if you hit them. They can cause significant damage to your car, and they can also seriously injure or kill you. So it’s important to keep a lookout for moose when driving and to be prepared to take evasive action if you spot them. Bears and Caribou are also common in Alaska, and they can be just as dangerous as moose if you hit them.

Here are some facts about Alaska to keep in mind when driving:

• Each year, road accidents kill about 1,000 moose in Alaska.
• Moose attacks injure 10 people in Alaska each year.
• Moose, caribou, and bears outnumber humans in Alaska by more than a factor of two.

(3) DOs and DONTs

When driving in Alaska, it’s important to be aware of the different conditions you might encounter. Here are some DOs and DONTs to keep in mind:

DOs:

• Check the weather conditions before driving, and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when driving on icy or snow-covered roads.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for winter driving.
• Familiarize yourself with driving laws and the speed limit in Alaska.
• In remote areas, gas stations are few and far between. Fill up whenever you can.

DON’Ts:

• Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Drive recklessly or carelessly.
• Ignore road signs or fail to yield to oncoming traffic.
• Rush through intersections or drive on icy roads too quickly.
• Stop on the highway unless there is a designated camera road sign.
• Overtake a vehicle on a two-lane highway until there is a passing lane.

Learn more about Renting a Car or RV in Alaska

(4) Safety tips for driving in Alaska

When driving in Alaska, it’s important to be aware of the different conditions you might encounter. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure your car is in good working order before you start driving.
• Pack plenty of food and water for your journey.
• Drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings.
• Use headlights year-round.
• Don’t stop your car and intimidate wildlife to take pictures.
• Never overspeed even on a long stretch of empty road.
• Break every two hours – there are more driving hours even though the distance is not great.

(5) What to do if you encounter a problem while driving in Alaska

If you encounter a problem while driving in Alaska, there are a few things you can do. It is important to note that mobile phone coverage and 911 emergency service are inconsistent in the remote parts of the state. If you have an international SIM card, make sure 911 service is enabled while you are in the United States.

• Pullover to the side of the road and call for help.
• If you’re stranded on the side of the road, put up your hazard lights and wait for help to arrive.
• If you’re driving in a remote area, try to find a gas station or another populated area where you can get help.

How to enjoy driving in Alaska (despite the challenges)

Despite the challenges, road trip in Alaska can be a fun and rewarding experience. The scenery is beautiful, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. Driving in this state is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Alaska.

So if you’re prepared for the challenges and know what to expect, driving in Alaska can be a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Just make sure you take it slow and drive defensively, and you’ll have a safe and enjoyable journey.

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