If you’re going to drive the mighty Alaska Highway this year or next year, be sure to plan for safe travel!
Yes, the highway is now paved all the way from Dawson Creek, B.C. to Delta Junction (and beyond to Fairbanks, Alaska). Experts warn, though, that it’s still a very remote driving route and there are often areas in less-than-perfect condition that could cause problems. Both the American and Canadian Automobile Associations (AAA and CAA) provide online advice. Here’s a selection of tips we think are relevant if you’re taking on the Alaska Highway.
Three great tips from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
“Last summer, CAA helped 750,000 Canadians from the roadside, the majority of which involved battery problems, tire issues, or people locking their keys in the vehicle. Almost half of those calls were not a simple fix and required the car be towed to a second location for additional assistance.” – Canadian Automobile Association
1. Get your vehicle inspected
In our own words, this one’s a no-brainer. Go and get your vehicle looked at by professionals to ensure it’s ready for your epic road trip. Let them tell you what they need to look at, but make sure they change your oil, check all other fluid levels, test your battery, examine your brakes and pressure-balance your tires. Take your vehicle in for an inspection a few weeks before your trip. Have the oil changed, fluid levels checked, battery tested, and tires inspected. This will ensure safety on the highway that was once marked with signs saying “Prepare to meet thy maker!” Those signs aren’t there anymore, thanks to some serious grading and paving, but if the safety benefits aren’t enough incentive to get to the garage, think of the money you’ll save avoiding tows and emergency mechanical work out in one of the world’s last great wilderness frontiers.
2. Prepare an emergency supplies kit
Who knows what you’ll need in an emergency situation on the Alaska Highway, right? Right. So, follow CAA’s suggestions and, if you’re asking us, pack any and all emergency supplies you already have and then go online to find recommendations for more. CAA says a flashlight with extra batteries is a good idea, along with “a first-aid kit, water and non-perishable foods, a basic toolkit with a tire pressure gauge and wrench, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, and emergency flares or reflectors.” Also, ensure documents are up-to-date. This will reduce stress (also sometimes referred to as panic) during emergency situations when you could also be required to identify yourself to authorities. Make sure your driver’s license, plate validation stickers, insurance and roadside assistance memberships are absolutely up-to-date.
Sample emergency “starter” kit
- First Aid information
- Animal safety information
- Sting relief pads, lotions
- Antiseptic towelettes
- Bandages, steri-strips
- Sterile gauze pad
- Adhesive tape
- Booster cables
- Emergency road signs
- Air compressor
- Tire gauge
- Aluminum flashlight
- Matches, lighter, flares
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Batteries
- Cotton gloves
- Emergency poncho
- Stainless steel tool (pliers, knife)
- Whistle
- Duct tape
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Fleece set
- Shop cloths
- Bungee cords
- Cable ties
- Bear bells, air horn
- Axe or hatchet
- Emergency food (non-perishable)
3. Drive without distractions… and never when you’re drowsy
Avoid distracted driving. Plain and simple. Here’s how: Designate one of your passengers as the navigator/communicator (they, not you, must answer all phone calls and deal with all text messages and social media activity). We don’t recommend driving the Alaska Highway alone, but if you really must, tell the folks back home where you’re going and not to phone or text you during certain times (when you expect to be on the road). To avoid drowsiness when driving, don’t drink alcohol before setting off — or when you’re behind the wheel — and steer clear of most drugs, including many prescription medications. Plan your journey with plenty of time for sleep between long hauls on the highway.
American Automobile Association says preparedness key:
- Get in the habit of conducting periodic safety checks to make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition.
- A safety check includes tires, lights, belts, hoses, fluids and windshield wipers.
- Read your owner’s manual to clearly understand which dash lights or signals indicate your vehicle is not operating properly and what to do in such situations.
- Before a road trip, contact (your roadside assistance provider) to arrange for a … test of your vehicle’s battery, starting and charging system. This can help determine how much life is left in your battery and if any other components need repairs.
- Program your cell phone with emergency numbers, including that of your roadside assistance provider, and keep a backup written list in your glove compartment.
- Always carry a well-stocked emergency kit and familiarize yourself with the use of safety flares, warning triangles and other emergency equipment.
I’m 73, and this trip is near the top of my bucket list, though I won’t make it until I get a decent Motor Home capable of the travel there. I have been as far as Watson Lake when I was working at a mine in Cassiar BC, and North of Whitehorse YK when working at small mine up there. I will make the run for sure. This past summer I was honored to been have given a fishing trip to Ketchikan compliment of Healing Towers.
I’ll be back as a famous former California Governor once said.
Bill Braniff,
Bucksport Maine
That is great Bill! Hopefully you can make it back someday soon! Although the highway still holds its primitive and wild charm, many upgrades over the last several years make it an enjoyable trek for all modes of travel! Cheers
If you have a chance to drive the Alaskan highway, DO IT. Some suggestions I have, 1. Don’t fret about cell service. Enjoy the fantastic scenery and forget about constant contact (we used Facebook to keep friends informed). 2. 300 miles or 3P.M. a day 3. With a RV find provincial parks (save $) and boondock when you can. Above all else, have fun and enjoy the great people of Canada and Alaska
2006: Left the USA for my trip to Alaska to seek new adventures from Texas….the road trip was very interesting in October – lots of snow and the drive got pretty harrowing during the night after coming through the ALCAN border crossing with howling snowstorm in front of me, a LKW in front of me, and not knowing the road I was driving on. Eventually made it to Anchorage without incident but the first portion of Alaska was stressful at night 🙂 better to do it during the day time frame.
2018: I came back from Europe last winter (Nov 2017) and now I am heading back to the US for some R&R on the east coast. Looking to travel across Canada this time at least until Manitoba where I will cut down through Grand Forks, ND. I am definitely looking forward to this trip down and back up. I just did a wonderful Europe road trip back in 2014 while I was working in Poland, going across from Poland to France and back…great three weeks. Now I aim to do the same with this Canada-USA road trip. I recall how the ALCAN looked, so hopefully the highway is now much better than back in 06 🙂 I would highly suggest to anyone take the plunge and do a trip on it…its incredible the types of wildlife you will see while driving out there.
I am so happy that I found this article. This was the topic that I need to learn.
It has been my dream since I was a young high school boy to drive the Highway to Alaska. I any very thankful for the internet because I can follow the highway and feel like I am taking the journey from my home. Thankyou for sending the e-mail message to me.
I plan to take a motorcycle run from Seattle to Fairbanks then Anchorage. Taking a month so that I can take in the beauty.My M bike has no sadd or side bags, so I plan to just take a backpack, and do it the old time ways, sleeping along the road where and when I am tired. My bike is a BMW R Nine T, no windshield etc. So it would be “real” motorbiking. Looking forward to meet all the wonderful people along the road.