By the time she hit Eklutna Flats, the sun was down to a copper ribbon and the road looked dry—until it wasn’t. At the bridge, a faint glaze turned the lane into a mirror. The stability light blinked. She didn’t brake hard or yank the wheel; she lifted off the gas, kept the tires straight, and let the car settle. Ten seconds, one quiet correction—holiday saved.
What that near-miss teaches (and what to do):
- Microclimates are real. Bridges and shaded stretches freeze first even when Midtown felt slushy-but-safe. If a slide turns into a fender-bender, walk through the calm steps on What to Do After an Accident HERE} and snap photos before vehicles are moved.
- Time beats talent. Time beats talent. Leave 20 minutes early—it’s cheaper than a tow and kinder to your nerves. Before you go, talk through a simple plan at home so everyone knows who calls 911, who takes photos, and who gathers witness info. Our FAQ explains what to tell your insurer if they call later. Remember: you are contractually required to cooperate with your own insurance company, and your insurer must inform you of the coverages available to you. That cooperation is reciprocal and may include, for example, providing a recorded statement or sharing basic documentation about the loss.
If your insurer starts talking about a “coverage investigation” (whether the loss or person is covered), call us - that can be a sign they may try not to cover the claim, and you’ll want someone who knows insurance contracts and Alaska regulations.
If another driver’s insurance contacts you by phone, text, or email, you are not under any contract with them and do not have to give a recorded statement. They are trained to ask questions that can minimize your injuries or limit recovery. It’s best to speak with an attorney who understands recoveries under Alaska law. Note: insurance adjusters serve the company that employs them and are obligated to protect their insured - not you.
- Pack for the pause. A blanket, headlamp, traction aid, and spare washer-fluid jug can turn a stressful stop into a manageable delay. If coverage questions arise after the fact, the plain-English guide on Insurance Claims can help you understand your options.
- Local note: The weather flip between Ship Creek and Eagle River can be dramatic in November. Treat each valley like its own forecast. Chris and Michaela had an experience on the Glenn one year for a family gathering near Eklutna that started out easy enough… over the river and through the woods to Michaela’s parents’ house in Peters Creek, when they passed Eagle River, the road and weather shifted to “water on ice” roads. Chris pulled off road, past the fog line, and set the car’s flashing lights to put on chains, their young son in child seat. They made it to the house, but they crawled at a snails pace the remainder of way. Better to arrive alive, and possibly late, then not arrive at all.
- Another time: Michaela had an experience on Eagle River Road that occurred in early spring. It was a beautiful “sun shiny” day. She drove Eagle River Road when on the S curves, the mountain side of the road shaded the black ice on the road, another vehicle came opposite direction up the incline, riding the middle line to reduce S curve action while she was in her correct lane going downhill. She didn’t appreciate the black ice, made an instinctive error to jerk steering wheel to the right and the back end of her vehicle fishtailed causing her to go off the road and my vehicle to barrel roll down the riverside embankment into a rock that catapulted her vehicle into a tree. Fortunately, unscathed, she was able to climb out of the sunroof to a wall of other road users, not the one riding the line. Hard lesson learned.