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Safety Corner: Winter Preparedness for Alaska Drivers
Winter is coming folks and it’s time to prepare for the unique challenges of driving in Alaska’s extreme conditions. Whether you're behind the wheel of a commercial rig or your personal vehicle, safety starts with preparation.
Top Winter Safety Tips
1. Vehicle Readiness
- Inspect tires for tread depth and consider switching to winter tires.
- Check battery health—cold weather can drain power quickly.
- Top off fluids, especially antifreeze and windshield washer fluid rated for sub-zero temps.
- Test your heater and defroster to ensure visibility and comfort.
2. Emergency Kit Essentials
- Warm clothing, gloves, and blankets
- Non-perishable snacks and water
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables and tire chains
- First aid kit and basic tools
- Ice scraper and shovel
3. Driving Practices
- Slow down and increase following distance.
- Avoid sudden movements, accelerate, brake, and steer gently.
- Watch for black ice, especially on bridges and shaded areas.
- Use headlights in low visibility conditions, even during daylight.
4. Commercial Driver Considerations
- Pre-trip inspections are critical—check brakes, lights, and trailer connections.
- Know your route and check for weather-related closures or delays.
- Stay in communication with dispatch and emergency contacts.
- Get that sleep! Fatigue and cold weather are a dangerous combination.
5. Stay Informed
- Monitor Alaska 511 for road conditions and closures.
- Sign up for weather alerts and DOT updates.
Stay safe, stay warm, and stay prepared. Your safety is our priority—on every road, in every season.
Upcoming Events at ATA-Mark your calendars!
September 14–20 – Driver Appreciation Week
Join us in celebrating the hardworking drivers who keep Alaska moving! ATA will be recognizing drivers throughout the week with giveaways, shout-outs, and special events. Sept 15-Fairbanks Richardson scale. Sept 16-Anchorage, Port and Hans Roelle scale. Sept 17-Kenai Sterling Scale-There is still time to sponsor! Thank you to the many companies who have already committed support!
September 26 – Academies of Anchorage Career Expo
Location: Dena ‘Ina Center 9am-3pm
ATA will be participating in this exciting event to connect with students and showcase career opportunities in the trucking and transportation industry. Our focus this year is on all industry job opportunities. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jamie.
November 6 – Legal Size and Weights Presentation with DOT
Location: Alaska Trucking Association/Teams
ATA will host a special presentation in collaboration with the Department of Transportation focused on legal size and weight regulations.
Contact us for more info or to RSVP!
This is a great opportunity for members to stay informed and ask questions directly to DOT representatives.
Advocacy Briefing: DEF System Challenges in Alaska
The Alaska Trucking Association continues active discussions with Senator Sullivan’s team and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address a growing concern among our members: the reliability of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems in Alaska’s harsh climate.
DEF systems, while designed to reduce emissions, often struggle in extreme cold, leading to vehicle shutdowns, performance issues, and safety risks, especially in remote areas where help is hours away. These challenges are not just inconvenient; they pose serious risks to drivers and disrupt critical supply chains across the state.
ATA is advocating for:
- Regulatory flexibility for vehicles operating in sub-zero conditions
- Technical reviews of DEF system performance in Arctic environments
- Collaborative solutions that prioritize both environmental goals and driver safety
We’re committed to keeping our drivers safe and our fleets moving. These conversations are ongoing, and we’ll continue to push for practical, science-based solutions that reflect the realities of trucking in Alaska.
Stay tuned for updates—and thank you for supporting our advocacy efforts.
Meet the New Faces at ATA
We’re thrilled to introduce the newest members of the Alaska Trucking Association team, each bringing a unique blend of experience, creativity, and dedication to serving our members.
Danielle Mettling joins us as our new Office Manager. With 13 years of experience in the trucking industry across Minnesota and Alaska, Danielle is also a talented artist and photographer whose creativity and industry insight make her an incredible asset to our team.
Hillary Rouzan, our newest DMV Specialist. Hillary is a published author (among her many other talents) and brings over a decade of experience in the transportation industry. Her attention to detail and passion for helping others will be a great benefit to our members.
Brandy Carson, currently on leave to pursue her accounting degree at UAA, has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, 18 of that specialized in the heavy-duty automotive sector. Her knowledge and professionalism continue to support our team behind the scenes.
Together, this dynamic crew brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to ATA and we look forward to serving your commercial and personal DMV needs.
Please join us in welcoming Danielle, Hillary, and Brandy to the ATA family—they’re excited to work for you!
We leave you this edition with a photo from 2025 NTDC in Minneapolis, where we have 9 phenomenal drivers from Alaska competing this week. Safe driving and focus drove them there and that is what makes them Champions no matter the outcome of the competition. Good luck Team Alaska!
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