People driving this weekend should expect to see more state troopers on the roads. The Alaska Department of Public Safety announced in a press release on Thursday an increase in patrols for the July 4 weekend, targeting impaired drivers.
Troopers will concentrate on DUI enforcement but will also look for aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeding and passengers who are not wearing seat belts, according to the release. DPS encourages people who see vehicles driving dangerously to make a REDDI, or Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately, report by calling 911.
“Our goal is to have zero fatalities on Alaska roads and highways this Fourth of July holiday,” Alaska State Troopers Division Director Colonel Bryan Barlow said in a press release. “We would like to thank the majority of drivers who do their part to keep the highways safe by staying alert and following traffic laws. And keep in mind that your best defense against a drunk driver is to wear your seatbelt.”
The theme for July Fourth’s holiday enforcement is “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving; Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over; Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over; If You Feel Different, You Drive Different,” according to DPS.
The Alaska Department of Transportation says that signs of dangerous driving may include lane weaving, passing on curves and double yellow lines, tailgating and straddling the centerline, among other things.
The increase in highway patrolling on July 4 will be funded by the National DUI High Visibility Enforcement Campaign with money issued through the Alaska Highway Safety Office.
More information about the July 4 patrol can be found on the DPS website at dps.alaska.gov.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
