Dunleavy proclaims Winter Weather Preparedness Week, urging safe driving and emergency kits

Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Sunday proclaimed Oct. 4-10 Winter Weather Preparedness Week.

The proclamation highlights road safety among several hazards: "Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death indirectly attributed to winter weather." It urges drivers to allow extra time for de-icing and driving, keep emergency supplies in their vehicles and stay alert behind the wheel.

A 2017 state transportation study looked at 340 crashes into the medians of four Southcentral freeways from 2007 to 2012 and found ice in more than half of them, and ice, snow or slush in about two-thirds. Alaska traffic deaths rose from 61 in 2023 to 70 in 2024, the state's highway safety annual report shows, and preliminary data suggest 65 deaths in 2025. The state aims to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2035.

Many Alaskans fall through ice, the proclamation notes. It urges people to check conditions, share travel plans and be ready to rescue themselves.

It also cites avalanches, blizzards, black ice, freezing spray and strong winds, and urges people to watch forecasts, keep an emergency communications plan and put together a supply kit with a battery-operated weather radio.