ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Several recent motorcycle fatalities in Alaska underscore the dangers motorcyclists face on the roads this summer.
On July 27, a motorcyclist died in a collision with a van on the Parks Highway. Just days prior, on July 19, another fatal accident occurred on the Steese Highway near Fairbanks, claiming the life of a family friend of local rider Bonnie Welsh.
Welsh, the rider education director with Alaskan Bikers Advocating Training and Education (ABATE), emphasized the importance of safety training for riders. “One of the areas that we do like to enforce a lot is the quick stop or swerves,” she said.
She also advised motorcyclists to wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and sturdy boots, and to adhere to speed limits. “Look twice, save a life,” Welsh recommended as a vital precaution for both riders and motorists.
Authorities continue to evaluate the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Emergency responders attended both accident scenes, with investigations ongoing.
For more information on motorcycle safety guidelines, contact ABATE in Anchorage.