On January 29, Alaska State Troopers responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer and a pickup truck at the intersection of the Steese Highway and Elliot Highway. The pickup truck ran a stop sign which put the vehicle in the path of the tractor trailer. The two vehicles collided in the intersection. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. The driver of the pickup received life threatening injuries and was transported to Anchorage immediately for treatment. Drugs and alcohol are believed to be a factor.

Report taken from Daily Dispatch news

Driving Safety Tips

Always be aware of other drivers around you at all times. Keep your distance if you suspect another driver is under the influence.

If you are planning to drink be responsible. Do not drive. Choose a designated driver. Decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go out, and make sure that person doesn’t drink any alcoholic beverages. Call a taxi. Sometimes even the designated driver slips. If nobody in your group is sober, take alternate transportation. Cab, train, bus, horse and buggy – anything’s better than getting in the car with a drunk driver or driving yourself. Hide keys. Don’t be afraid to take someone’s car keys. If the person gets angry, it’s probably proof you’re doing the right thing.

Detecting Drivers Under The Influence

Law enforcement officials say there are several signs to look for that are associated with drunk driving:

Making wide turns

Weaving, swerving, drifting, or straddling the center line

Almost striking an object or vehicle

Driving on the wrong side of the road

Driving at a very slow speed

Stopping without cause

Braking erratically

Responding slowly to traffic signals

Turning abruptly or illegally

Driving after dark with headlights off