Let the summer begin (safely)!

Frontiersman editorial

May 25, 20007

Another Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and that means the traditional kicking off of all the summer activities Alaskans love. The three days that lie ahead will be filled with barbecues and parades, traveling, boating and fishing, as well as all the other outdoor summer recreation we enjoy.

For many, those activities will involve driving. Despite record-high gasoline prices, AAA Alaska is forecasting an increase in holiday traffic over last year.

Nationally, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded gas is about $3.19, which is 34 cents higher than last month, according to AAA survey. Here in Alaska, the average is a bit lower - $3.01, which is 24 cents more than a month ago but 1 cent cheaper than last year at this time.

Travelers should always remember safety first when heading out on the road. But it is especially important when the volume of traffic is up and others might not be as safety-minded - like on a long party weekend.

As always, area law-enforcement agencies will be out in force, doing their part to ensure the weekend is as safe as it can be. Alaska State Troopers and local police will have beefed-up patrols to concentrate on enforcing the use of seat belts and child restraints, and to help keep drunken drivers off the roads.

Troopers urge all drivers to buckle up, and to make sure their passengers do the same. Child safety car seats should be age- and size-appropriate. They also remind residents that DUI laws - and penalties - are the same whether you're driving or boating.

Just as with seat belts and child safety seats in cars, life jackets should not be an afterthought on the water. Statistically, there's probably nothing better you can do to ensure safe outings.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2004, of the 484 recreational boaters who drowned, 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Officials estimate that 431 lives might have been saved if life jackets had been used.

According to troopers, for recreational boats, state law requires that there be an approved personal flotation device, of the proper size, for every person on board, and that children under 13 wear a PFD when they are on deck or in an open boat.

Wildlife enforcement troopers also will do their usual checks on and enforcement of sport-fish bag limits and fishing equipment requirements. So it is important to know what's allowed, according to where you fish.

Winter-weary Alaskans know how much fun there is to be had under the midnight sun. Let's all enjoy the weekend. But let's be safe, too.