Driving the ALCAN Highway

Combat Edge, Feb, 2003 by Carl MSgt Akins

A young airman was almost killed on her way to Alaska for her first duty assignment. After completing technical school in Florida, the airman was joined by her mother for the first leg of her journey to Seattle, Wash. It took about 8 days, which allowed the pair to visit friends and relatives along the way. They made it without incident and then parted company.

The airman rode the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry, from Seattle to Haines, Alaska. The ferry ride lasted 3 days and she arrived at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Her plan was to drive the 775 miles on the Alaskan/Canadian (ALCAN) Highway from Haines to Elmendorf Air Force Base, which is located outside Anchorage, Alaska. She started out that afternoon, drove for about 3 1/2 hours, and checked into a hotel for the night. After a good night's sleep, she got back on the road at 9:00 a.m. the next morning.

While the road had some snow and ice pack, the weather was clear and sunny. At about 4:00 p.m., she was going about 30 miles per hour and hit a patch of black ice on a steep, curvy section of the road and lost control of her vehicle. Her car went over the embankment, flipping several times before coming to a rest approximately 350 feet below the road. A truck driver, who witnessed the accident, immediately rushed to her vehicle expecting to find her dead in the wreckage. But she had been wearing her seat belt, and though shaken, walked away from the scene with only a bruised arm and a bump on the head. Her gaining unit was notified, and the first sergeant arranged to have her transported the rest of the way. She made a full recovery in only 3 days.

While the airman had learned how to drive in Texas and Hawaii, winter driving in the mountains of Alaska on icy roads was a new experience for her. When asked if she had any advice for other airmen making the long drive, she had two thoughts to offer. The first one was, "Don't take it for granted that just because you haven't had a problem yet that you won't. Don't get overconfident." She also said, "Driving is not worth the time and problems of dealing with the insurance company if something goes wrong. If you really want a car immediately when you get there, ship your car early."

If you are fortunate enough to get an assignment to Alaska, you should fully consider the pros and cons of driving the ALCAN highway in the winter. If you determine that driving is your best option, proper preparation is the key for making your trip enjoyable and mishap free:

* Pack an emergency kit to keep in your trunk that includes: a tow strap, jumper cables, collapsible shovel, nonperishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and fire starting tools.

* Ensure your spare tire is in good condition.

* Cracked windshields are a reality on the ALCAN. Other vehicles frequently kick up pebbles and gravel, and these small rocks seem to be drawn towards glass. Ensure you have adequate funds to handle unexpected repairs while traveling.

* Plan your trip in advance to include routes, scheduled rest breaks, and overnight lodging; some insurance companies will help you do this.

* Ensure your family and sponsor know your travel plans. Check-in each day with your sponsor to let them know about any problems you may be having.

* Watch for wildlife on the roads. You may see any thing from bunny rabbits to moose standing in the road. These animals can be extremely difficult to see at night. If an animal temporarily blocks your way, don't honk your horn or try to herd it off the road; it may become aggressive.

* Make sure you have adequate clothes for cold weather. At a minimum, have a warm coat, gloves, boots, and a hat. Even during the summer months, it can get very cold in the higher elevations.

* Make regular stops every hour or so. If you begin to feel drowsy, pull off the road and take a nap or find a hotel and stop for the day. Take your time.

* Keep your headlights clean by wiping them off every time you stop for fuel.

* Do not carry extra gas in your vehicle. There are adequate numbers of gas stations along the highway. Do not let your gas gauge get below half a tank before filling up. To keep things simple, fill up at every town.

* Road and weather conditions can change quickly. In the mountains, you may see conditions deteriorate from warm, dry, and comfortable to bitter, cold, and icy -- all within a few miles. Don't get complacent; remain focused on the task of driving.

* Carry a jug of windshield-wiper fluid. Dust, mud, and snow can cause you to use much more fluid than under normal driving conditions.

* Bring sunglasses. During the winter, the sun remains very low on the horizon all day (5 to 6 hours), making visibility very difficult. Also, the bright reflection of the sun off the snow can be blinding.

* Have an ice scraper for your windshield. Remove all ice and snow from your windshield prior to driving.

Driving the ALCAN highway can be a rewarding and exciting experience as well as a great way to see North America. However, danger is a reality; approach the trip with reservations. Ask yourself some questions: Am I prepared for the weather and road conditions? Is my vehicle in good condition (brakes, lights, transmission, battery)? Does my vehicle have the correct tires for the road and weather I'm likely to encounter? Do my vehicle's safety restraints work correctly? Being prepared with the correct knowledge, equipment, and attitude can help ensure your trip to Alaska is trouble free. And definitely remember to buckle up!