Record Driving Fatalities on Alaska Highways in 2011

Six weekend deaths bring this year's total to 40 people killed on Alaska roadways—that's nearly a dozen more than in 2009 and 2010.

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By Kirsten Swann

Story Created: Jul 27, 2011 at 5:21 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 27, 2011 at 5:21 PM AKDT


There have been sixth deaths on Alaska's highways in the last seven days.

It's a scary statistic, but officials from the Alaska Highway Safety Office say it's a number that's not likely to change anytime soon.

The recent deaths bring this year's total to 40 people killed on Alaska roadways—that's nearly a dozen more than in 2009 and 2010.

While some of those deaths can be attributed to driving under the influence, speeding or driver inattention, highway safety officials say there's a bigger problem.

"As long as our roads are overburdened with more people on them than what they were meant to have, we will continue to drive at great risk," Cindy Cashen of the Alaska Highway Safety Office.

Some roads date as far back as World War II and highway safety officers say many of them are simply over capacity.

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joe said on Thursday, Jul 28 at 3:45 AM

So let's build a dam

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fyi said on Wednesday, Jul 27 at 11:38 PM

playing passing games is what caused most of the crashes, the cops need to enforce the pull out laws!

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Wes said on Wednesday, Jul 27 at 7:18 PM

The roads are fine for the most part. Yes, there are a few older roads in need of help; but in a large part, it's the way people drive that sets up the tragedies that plague us. If someone is going the speed limit, there is no lawful need to pass them. If you have been drinking, stay off the roads--call a cab! Slow down! The higher the speed, the greater the risk of death. Face the facts: This is a driver controlled problem.

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