ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Alaska State Troopers say this summer is off to a rough start on highways with seven deaths since mid-April.
Troopers say this is a common trend when the seasons change. They also say many of the deaths are preventable.
On Alaska's roads summer weather, a lot like winter weather, causes a certain negative trend.
"People are going out for different reasons and unfortunately we see a lot of stuff unfold on the highways," said Megan Peters, AST spokesperson.
Since the beginning of May troopers and Anchorage police have responded to more than 70 accidents involving injuries.
And since mid-April there have been seven fatal crashes on Alaska's roads, according to AST -- three involved motorcyclists, two ATVs and two rollovers.
"For people in cars, it's summer -- be aware there are people on motorcycles out there and they are harder to see than larger vehicles," Peters said.
The most recent fatal crash was late Sunday night on the Seward Highway at Tudor Road. Witnesses reported a lot of speed.
Police don't know if street racing was involved in this accident, but public safety agencies say they see it all the time. Even a quick YouTube check finds several street races on video.
"People drag race and they like to go fast on the highways," Peters said.
And now as the days get longer and warmer, and more drivers hit the highways officials are doing all they can to prevent anymore fatal accidents.
"Speed limits are there for a reason, traffic laws are there for a reason," Peters said.
Police and troopers urge drivers and passengers to buckle up and advise anyone on a motorcycle to wear a helmet.
Troopers say this is a common trend when the seasons change. They also say many of the deaths are preventable.
On Alaska's roads summer weather, a lot like winter weather, causes a certain negative trend.
"People are going out for different reasons and unfortunately we see a lot of stuff unfold on the highways," said Megan Peters, AST spokesperson.
Since the beginning of May troopers and Anchorage police have responded to more than 70 accidents involving injuries.
And since mid-April there have been seven fatal crashes on Alaska's roads, according to AST -- three involved motorcyclists, two ATVs and two rollovers.
"For people in cars, it's summer -- be aware there are people on motorcycles out there and they are harder to see than larger vehicles," Peters said.
The most recent fatal crash was late Sunday night on the Seward Highway at Tudor Road. Witnesses reported a lot of speed.
Police don't know if street racing was involved in this accident, but public safety agencies say they see it all the time. Even a quick YouTube check finds several street races on video.
"People drag race and they like to go fast on the highways," Peters said.
And now as the days get longer and warmer, and more drivers hit the highways officials are doing all they can to prevent anymore fatal accidents.
"Speed limits are there for a reason, traffic laws are there for a reason," Peters said.
Police and troopers urge drivers and passengers to buckle up and advise anyone on a motorcycle to wear a helmet.