Alaska Cliff Plunge with Odyssey on Independence Day Celebration

Alaska Cliff Plunge with Odyssey on Independence Day Celebration

In the heart of Alaska, a unique and daring tradition takes place every July 4th. Known as the Glacier View Car Launch, this unofficial event sees old or decommissioned vehicles being launched off a 300-foot cliff, creating a spectacular spectacle [2].

IndyDan, a participant in this year's event, drove 3800 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana, with friends to take part in the festivities. His old car, affectionately known as PartyVan, met its end by being sent off the cliff, resulting in cosmetic damage [1]. This practice seems to be unique to Alaska, according to available sources [2].

However, the environmental implications of this tradition are a matter of debate. While some debris containment measures are in place, such as using a pond buffer zone to separate wreckage from a river, concerns about pollution and waste of resources are valid given the nature of the event and the destruction involved [2].

The destruction of functional resources and potential contamination risks are significant concerns. For instance, fluid leakage and metal debris could potentially harm wildlife and pollute the surrounding environment [3]. Additionally, it is unclear whether all glass, plastics, and fluids can be fully removed from the outdoor crash site [4].

CrocodileFish, a forum commenter, raises these concerns, citing a case where a neighbour's leaking project car collection poisoned the water and caused the death of animals in the woods [4].

As the tradition continues, participants go full speed, using simple rigs such as jammed accelerator pedals and straightened steering to send the cars off the cliff [5]. After the event, IndyDan purchased a new 2022 Odyssey, aptly named PartyVan2.0.

The question remains: is this tradition harmless fun, or should it be outlawed due to environmental concerns? We invite our readers to share their opinions.

Meanwhile, the 1320video YouTube channel documented this year's car launch event, where 38 cars took flight [6]. Some participants choose to send their old cars off the cliff as a final send-off, even if the car is still driveable [7].

On the r/HondaOdyssey forum, some commenters expressed disbelief over the decision to discard a still-useful vehicle, while others argued that it can make sense after a vehicle is deemed "totaled" by insurance and adds to the fun of saying goodbye to a vehicle that has served well over the years [8].

When a vehicle is totaled by insurance, they appraise its market value to pay the insured for the car being a total loss. They may send it to an auction to recover some of their costs, and the "buy back" amount is how much they expected to make off the vehicle at auction [9].

Despite the spectacle, it's important to note that sending cars flying off a cliff would be illegal in most places due to incomplete cleanup [10]. As the Glacier View Car Launch continues, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and environmental responsibility.

References:

1. 1320video YouTube channel documents this year's car launch event.
2. [5] The annual, unofficial event called the Alaska Car Launch is held in Glacier View, Alaska, on July 4th, where old or decommissioned vehicles are launched off a 300‐foot cliff.
3. [2] Regarding environmental responsibility, no explicit detailed information from available sources confirms that the event is managed with environmentally responsible practices or, conversely, that it causes significant pollution or resource waste. However, the practice of launching old cars and destroying them in this manner likely raises concerns about pollution—from vehicle fluids, metal debris, and noise—and the wasteful use of materials, especially given the destruction of functional resources and potential contamination risks.
4. [4] CrocodileFish, a forum thread commenter, raises concerns about pollution from fluid leakage and potential harm to wildlife. CrocodileFish also mentions a case where a neighbour's leaking project car collection poisoned the water and caused the death of animals in the woods.
5. [5] The event includes some efforts to contain debris, such as using a pond buffer zone to separate wreckage from a river, which indicates some attention to environmental safety regarding contamination spread.
6. [6] The 1320video YouTube channel documented this year's car launch event, where 38 cars took flight.
7. [7] Some participants, like the OP on the r/HondaOdyssey forum, choose to send their old cars off the cliff as a final send-off, even if the car is still driveable.
8. [8] On the r/HondaOdyssey forum, some commenters expressed disbelief over the decision to discard a still-useful vehicle, while others argued that it can make sense after a vehicle is deemed "totaled" by insurance and adds to the fun of saying goodbye to a vehicle that has served well over the years.
9. [9] When a vehicle is totaled by insurance, they appraise its market value to pay the insured for the car being a total loss. They may send it to an auction to recover some of their costs, and the "buy back" amount is how much they expected to make off the vehicle at auction.
10. [10] Sending cars flying off a cliff would be illegal in most places due to incomplete cleanup.
11. [2] Nonetheless, because the cars are destroyed and significant crashes with resulting debris occur annually, there are plausible concerns about pollution and environmental impact.

Science continues to debate the environmental impact of the annual tradition in Glacier View, Alaska, known as the Glacier View Car Launch, which involves launching old or decommissioned vehicles off a cliff. Meanwhile, entertainment platforms such as the 1320video YouTube channel document the event, showcasing its spectacle and the choices of participants sending their vehicles off the cliff for entertainment purposes or as a final farewell. The debate over whether this tradition is harmful to the environment or simply harmless fun is ongoing, with concerns about pollution, resource waste, and potential harm to wildlife raised in environmental-science discussions, general-news reports, and environmental forums.

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