Sharing the road in Alaska
Alaska drivers share the road with people walking and biking, motorcycles, big trucks, emergency vehicles, trains, slow farm and work vehicles, and large wild animals. Each needs a different kind of care.
The manual reminds drivers that a person hit at 25 mph usually survives, but at around 50 mph fewer than half do. Lower speed near vulnerable people saves lives.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can yield correctly to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- You can give motorcycles and trucks the space they need.
- You can respond to emergency vehicles, moving or stopped.
- You can cross railroad tracks safely and know what to do if stuck.
- You can reduce the risk of hitting a moose.
What you need to know and understand
- Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and at intersections. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
- A bicycle is a vehicle and must be given the same right of way as any other vehicle.
- Motorcycles need a full lane. Never share a lane with one.
- A car at 55 mph can stop in about 130 to 140 feet, but a truck needs about 400 feet.
- When an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights, pull to the right edge, clear of the intersection, and stop.
- Do not follow a responding emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet, and never drive over a fire hose.
- Be ready to stop if a train is within 1,500 feet of a crossing, even an unmarked one.
- A slow-moving vehicle emblem (orange triangle with a red border) marks vehicles that travel 25 mph or less.
People on foot and on bikes
Watch for pedestrians everywhere, especially at dusk, dawn and in bad weather. Stop well back from crosswalks so other drivers can see people crossing. Before turning, parking or opening a door, turn your head to check for bicyclists in your blind spots, and take extra care near young children on bikes.
Motorcycles and large vehicles
- Look twice before turning left across a motorcycle's path. Riders are hard to see and their speed is hard to judge.
- A blinking motorcycle signal may have been left on by mistake. Be sure the rider is really turning.
- Stay out of the No-Zone: if you cannot see a truck driver in their mirror, they cannot see you.
- After passing a truck, wait until you can see its whole front in your mirror before moving back in.
- Trucks swing wide to turn right. Never squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.
Railroad crossings
- Never drive around lowered gates or try to beat a train.
- Do not start across until you know you can clear the tracks completely.
- After a train passes, check for a second train before moving.
- If you are stuck on the tracks, get out at once and move away from the tracks toward the direction the train is coming from, then call 911 and the number on the blue emergency sign at the crossing.
Moose, caribou and other wildlife
Most moose collisions happen at dawn and dusk. Slow down near animals by the road, expect more to follow, and use high beams when it is safe. If an animal runs out, brake firmly but do not swerve. If you kill or injure a big game animal, notify the Alaska State Troopers or a Fish and Wildlife officer as soon as possible.
Common mistakes
- Passing a car that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian may be hidden in front of it.
- Following a motorcycle too closely. Give it at least the same four-second gap as a car.
- Cutting in front of a truck and braking. You halve the stopping space the truck driver left.
- Swerving for a moose and hitting a tree or oncoming car.
Test yourself: Sharing the road in Alaska
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Alaska Driver Manual (Rev. 10/2025), Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles: Sharing the Roadway, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Large Trucks and Buses, Emergency Vehicles, Railroad Crossings and Animals sections. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Alaska licensing agency.