Troopers arrest Sterling driver on DUI charge after head-on crash at mile 84

A head-on collision at mile 84 of the Sterling Highway sent one driver for medical care Tuesday evening and left the other facing a DUI charge, Alaska State Troopers said. Troopers arrested the man, who later provided a breath sample that measured 0.244%.

Troopers responded to the crash at 5:37 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2026. A 24-year-old Sterling woman was driving a 2008 Ram 1500 pickup north near mile 84 when a 2009 Chevrolet Impala pulled out of a driveway directly in front of her, troopers said. She was taken for care with possible minor injuries. The Impala driver, a 33-year-old Sterling man, was uninjured. Troopers arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence, and he then provided the breath sample.

Breath results are not beyond challenge in every case. The National Motorists Association argues that "improper maintenance and calibration can lead to inaccurate readings." Troopers did not report any indication of a testing or calibration problem in this arrest.

The charge is an accusation. Troopers said the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.