Alaskan nights grow dark quickly, making pedestrians and cyclists nearly invisible to drivers, but reflective gear can change those dangerous odds. Reflective material allows drivers to see pedestrians from 1,200 feet away, more than 1000 feet farther than light-colored clothing.
Alaska DOT&PF created a campaign featuring Bigfoot wearing reflective gear, reminding everyone that being seen at night is legendary safety. The Partners in Safety program addresses crash patterns across Alaska, focusing on pedestrian fatalities and driver behaviour in urban areas like Anchorage.
On July 31, at the Tanana Valley State Fair, DOT&PF distributed reflective gear and offered road safety education to attendees. Staff handed out backpacks, lanyards, vests, and bicycle posts with reflective surfaces, encouraging community members to use them during nighttime travel.
Visitors of all ages received the free gear, ranging from young schoolchildren to senior citizens, attending the fairgrounds throughout the day. DOT&PF also provided educational cards explaining how reflective materials significantly improve driver reaction time when pedestrians are visible from longer distances.
The traffic and safety team interacted with the public, answering questions about roadway projects and listening to feedback about safety concerns. Officials promoted the Partners in Safety online feedback tool, encouraging residents to submit comments on transportation improvements and safety initiatives statewide.
DOT&PF plans additional outreach at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 23, 2025, offering similar reflective gear giveaways. Small reflective pieces, even on backpacks or bikes, can provide crucial seconds for drivers to react properly.
