Ep 7. Hammered on the Holiday

Alaska State Troopers season 5 episode 7, titled "Hammered on the Holiday," follows trooper Jon Simeon and his fellow officers as they work on New Year's Eve to keep the roads safe from drunk drivers.

The episode begins with troopers responding to a head-on collision on an icy road, caused by a driver under the influence. The driver who caused the accident is found to have a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit, and is arrested and charged with DUI.

As the night goes on, the troopers receive multiple reports of intoxicated drivers on the road. They set up sobriety checkpoints and conduct field sobriety tests on those suspected of driving under the influence. In one instance, a driver tries to evade the checkpoint by turning around and driving the wrong way on a highway. The troopers eventually catch up to the driver and arrest them for DUI.

Meanwhile, trooper Howie Peterson responds to a call about a snowmobile accident. A group of friends had been drinking and riding their snowmobiles when one of them crashes into a tree. The troopers transport the injured person to a hospital, where they are treated for a broken leg.

The episode also highlights the challenges of enforcing DUI laws in a vast and remote state like Alaska. Troopers often have to travel long distances to respond to calls, and the harsh weather conditions can make driving even more dangerous. One trooper describes how many Alaskans view drinking as an integral part of their culture, making it difficult to change the behavior.

Overall, "Hammered on the Holiday" is a compelling episode that showcases the important work of Alaska State Troopers in keeping the public safe from the dangers of drunk driving.