Focal Points

  • ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
  • Always wear a helmet, regardless if you riding something without a motor.
  • Speed should not determine whether or not you choose to wear a helmet.
  • Distance should not determine whether or not you choose to wear a helmet.
  • Terrain should not determine whether or not you choose to wear a helmet.
  • Experience should not determine whether or not you choose to wear a helmet.
  • Age should not determine whether or not you choose to wear a helmet.
  • Always wear a helmet, even if you are just unloading from a trailer.
  • ALWAYS MAKE SURE ANY CHILDREN WITH YOU HAVE HELMETS ON!

Laws:

In Wasilla and Anchorage, requirement of bicycle helmet is mandatory for any person 15 years of age or younger when on a bicycle in public places in Anchorage or within city limits of Wasilla. $25 fine can be waived with proof of helmet purchase after citation.

Helmets are required on ATV’s and Snow Machines within Wasilla City limits. Non compliance results in a $100 fine.

Learn More Department of Transportation: https://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/reg/snow.htm
Learn More Anchorage Daily News: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2021/10/16/alaska-will-allow-atvs-on-roads-starting-jan-1-but-snowmachines-and-hovercraft-arent-included/

Data:

Dr. Steven Tower completed a study with the Anchorage Fracture and Orthopedic Clinic that found Alaska’s snow machine related deaths are the highest in the nation. The study showed that snow machine or ATV deaths happen in Alaska every four months. However, a disability from snow machine and ATV accidents happens every two days. The cost of initial hospitalization per year for snow machine and ATV injuries in Alaska is $5.9 million. This is a fraction of the societal costs, since 42 percent of the hospitalized are not insured and the cost is borne by private sources. Taxpayers frequently end up paying for these injuries when those who are injured are uninsured.

Helmet use reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury by 88 percent. Hospitalization or death from traumatic brain injuries among Alaska residents is 10 percent higher than the national average. 

 

Pamphlet: Worried About Your Brain