Accidents

An estimated 10,000 vehicles per day travel the Richardson Highway, stretching from Fairbanks, Alaska to the state border. In 1998, average vehicle speeds along this roadway ranged from 65 to 70 miles per hour (mph), with many motorists traveling at speeds in excess of 80 to 90 mph. Seat belt use on the Richardson Highway averaged between 25 and 50 percent. A recent increase in the demand for police services unrelated to traffic safety, coupled with limited staff resources, often left law enforcement officers in the Fairbanks area no opportunity to conduct routine traffic safety patrols. Local police officials committed their efforts to reversing this dangerous trend.

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