In Alaska and The Yukon large trucks often paint stripes on their
tires, why exactly is this?

This can be seen on the History Channel's show Modern Marvels episode
on the ice road truckers.

Hello Marcgetty,

Since tires can freeze up, many tires have stripes so drivers can
check in the mirror that they?re turning.


Tires and Ice 

?At 50 below zero, a rare breed drives supplies over arctic Canada?s
frozen lakes. Ride along with the toughest truckers on Earth.?

(?)

 ?They modify the trucks and replace plastic with rubber as much as
they can, but most of these trucks are built down south, not for work
up north. They also replace hydraulic fluid with aircraft grade and
switch the tires for winter rubber that flattens and gets more
traction against the ice. Since they can still freeze up, many tires
have paint stripes so drivers can check in the mirror that they?re
turning. ?If they?re froze, you just hit ?em with a hammer,? Al says.
?That usually frees ?em up.?

Maxim, Dec 2005 
http://www.maximonline.com/articles/index.aspx?a_id=6843

Search terms used: 
Alaska OR Yukon trucks stripes tires


I hope the information provided is helpful!

Best regards,
Bobbie7