Alaska State Troopers to increase enforcement during Independence Day week

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The Fourth of July holiday is coming up, and Alaska State Troopers (AST) are putting out increased patrols as residents celebrate Independence Day.

This heightened enforcement period is scheduled to run from Saturday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 5.

Particularly, troopers are focused on those who are Driving Under the Influence (DUI). This includes the use of drugs and alcohol.

Those who plan to celebrate using these substances are urged to get a ride from somebody or take a cab.

In addition to DUI’s, troopers will be on the lookout for aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, and seatbelt use.

Lieut. Jessie Carson with AST said, “We look for driving that’s indicative of somebody who’s under the influence of either narcotics or alcohol, so types of driving that show a delay in reaction time and judgment is typically good signs that the person may be under the influence and not just driving poorly.”

“Good examples of this type of behavior is somebody who pulls up to a stop sign, but fails to stop until after the stop sign, or they pull into a crosswalk before they’re able to stop, or they stop abruptly,” he added.

Copyright 2023 KTVF. All rights reserved.