Impaired driving fatalities down, but still a leading cause of death on Idaho roads

Two young adults driving in the car, the sun is casting a beautiful glow onto their faces.

BOISE — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is reporting an 18% decrease in fatalities from impaired driving crashes—down from 105 in 2023 to 86 in 2024. While this progress is encouraging, impaired driving still accounted for more than a third (36%) of all traffic crash fatalities in Idaho last year.

Of the 86 people killed in impaired driving crashes in 2024, 80 (an overwhelming 93%) were either the impaired driver, a passenger riding with an impaired driver, or an impaired pedestrian.

“Drivers aged 30 and under are involved in impaired driving crashes at a disproportionately high rate,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager with ITD’s Office of Highway Safety. “It’s encouraging to see fewer fatalities, but the numbers show the problem is far from solved. We need people to understand that impaired driving doesn’t just put their own life at risk. It endangers everyone on the road.”

To help prevent further tragedies, ITD and its law enforcement partners will participate in a statewide impaired driving mobilization from July 1 to July 13, 2025. During this time, drivers can expect to see an increased presence of high-visibility patrols dedicated to stopping impaired drivers and saving lives.

ITD continues to focus on education and prevention through law enforcement partnerships, community outreach, and youth engagement initiatives. The department emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, using designated drivers, and making responsible choices every time you get behind the wheel.

Impaired driving is preventable. If you feel different, you drive different.

For more information on impaired driving prevention efforts in Idaho, visit shift-idaho.org.

Hazard Tree Removal on Idaho Highways

Logs from a hazard tree removal project decked up on the side of the road awaiting removal.

The Idaho Transportation Department would like to share information regarding tree removal along highways in Idaho.

The current tree clearing you may see in various locations along state routes is part of an ongoing hazard tree removal effort as part of our maintenance program to improve safety.

We prioritize removal based on the below safety benefits:

Visibility: Clearer sightlines mean drivers can spot wildlife or obstacles sooner.
Clear zone: Removing obstacles like trees from the clear zone around highways makes it more likely that any drivers who leave the roadway have a better chance of safely recovering and making it back to the road.
Winter driving safety: More sunlight reaches the road surface, reducing icy conditions and the risk of black ice.
Roadway safety: Reduces the risk of falling trees on the roadway.
Wildfire preparedness: Removing trees near the road creates natural firebreaks that can serve to help slow or stop wildfires.

ITD is not just focusing on tree removal within our own right of way but also proactively engaging other public agency partners, such as the U.S. Forrest Service and Idaho Parks and Recreation, to bring these safety benefits along more of our highways.

In instances where there is a need to address trees on private property we work collaboratively with property owners and get express permission before proceeding with tree removal. We do not remove trees on private land without permission.

It’s also important to understand that not all tree removal you may see along highways is being performed by ITD. Private property owners and timber operations often conduct logging or thinning near roadways, and while we require permits for any work within our right of way that we are not initiating, many of these operations happen entirely on private land.

We understand that Idahoans value our outdoor spaces and the area’s natural beauty. Every decision we make on hazard trees is made with the intent of saving lives.

We’re committed to being transparent about our work and welcome any questions from the public. The public can always reach out directly to ITD for accurate information from district representatives.

Secure your load, it could save a life

White truck with a secured load in the truck bed.

BOISE — June 6 is National Secure Your Load Day, and the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety is reminding drivers that safe driving includes making sure your load is properly secured.
Unsecured loads can cause serious crashes.

From 2018 to 2022, debris that fell from vehicles in Idaho caused 82 injuries and two deaths. Most of these crashes involved non-commercial vehicles.

“It is not just commercial drivers who are responsible for securing their cargo,” said Josephine Middleton, OHS Highway Safety Manager. “Every driver has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.”

Idaho law requires that all loads be fastened so they cannot become loose or hazardous while driving. Before hitting the road, make sure your load is secure from every angle. Tie it down, cover it if needed, and double check everything.

Taking a few extra minutes could prevent tragedy. Visit www.secureyourload.com or www.dmv.idaho.gov for safety tips.

Idaho enters the 100 deadliest days

BOISE — As Memorial Day approaches, Idaho enters the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the state historically experiences a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. This year, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) urges all drivers to prioritize safety and make responsible choices behind the wheel.

According to OHS, as of May 12, 2025, there have been 74 traffic fatalities in Idaho, compared to 57 at the same time last year. This alarming increase underscores the importance of heightened awareness and caution during the summer months.

“We call this period the 100 Deadliest Days, but it would be great to be proven wrong,” said OHS Program Manager Josephine Middleton. “Make it safer out there for yourself and others, and remember, when traveling in rural areas, to be extra vigilant because emergency crash response times are more challenging.”

While winter driving conditions are often perceived as more hazardous, summer presents its own set of challenges. With more people on vacation, attending events, and engaging in recreational activities, the roads become busier. This increase in traffic, combined with factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving, contributes to the higher incidence of crashes during this period.

Additionally, warmer weather brings more motorcyclists and bicyclists onto the roads, increasing the need for drivers to remain vigilant and share the road responsibly.

Safety Tips for the 100 Deadliest Days

To help reduce the number of crashes and fatalities, OHS recommends the following:

Wear a Seat Belt: Seat belts increase your odds of surviving a crash by nearly 50%.
Drive Engaged: Stay free from distractions and focus on the road ahead.
Never Drive Impaired: Always plan for a sober ride home, whether it’s a cab, rideshare, designated driver, or staying overnight where you are drinking.
Slow Down: Aggressive driving was involved in 61% of the fatal crashes in rural areas in 2023.

“We have a lot of wonderful partners from law enforcement to construction workers, helping to make Idaho’s roads safe, but we all need to do our part,” Middleton said. “As drivers, we can all do a better job of looking out for each other on our roads and make it safely through this summer.”

For more information and resources, visit https://itd.idaho.gov/safety/

ITD Island Park foreman addresses multi-fatality crash

ITD Ashton/ Island Park foreman Ryan Wright at the site of a multi-fatality crash on US-20 near the Idaho/ Montana border.

Tragedy is, just that, tragic. The need and desire for reverence is legitimate. Difficult and hallowed situations can also cause strength, character and work ethic to shine admirably.

In sorrow for the lives lost during the crash that this article refers to, and hope that others who can relate will know they are not alone, we share the story of our role in the response.

Idaho State Police and the Idaho Transportation Department in East Idaho have a history that speaks for itself— ISP Lieutenant Marvin Crain and his troopers don’t hesitate to rely on ITD because the partnership has been proven time and time again. ITD operations and maintenance personnel across East Idaho are used to working beside ISP, ready to assist on scene as valuable first responders and traffic control.

Such was the case on the evening of Thursday, May 1, for a multiple fatality crash on US-20 at milepost 399. ITD Ashton/ Island Park foreman Ryan Wright has been in his role for the past 15 years and is an integral part of the small communities he serves. He heard about the incident just after it happened. Knowing it was blocking both north and southbound lanes, he sent his Island Park crew to direct traffic before ISP ever called. Wright then got in his own truck and headed to the scene personally.

“I don’t know what frame of mind a guy goes into it with. I can’t say you get used to it because you don’t,” Wright emphasized. “It’s just something we have to do. I guess it’s just work mode.” He said he tries to keep his crew members from having to be right in the thick of things during crash responses.

Once there, ISP spoke with Wright to request an additional flagger farther south. An Ashton crew member was called and showed up to fill that role. Wright himself pitched in to help however he could, knowing the Fremont County Coroner personally and working alongside the familiar ISP folks involved.

Wright and his crew members were on scene and assisting until the crash was cleared around 2 a.m.

“It’s when you get home and the adrenaline goes down and you start thinking,” Wright said. “The visions in your head you just don’t get rid of.”

East Idaho ITD leadership and Safety Officer Ronnie Butler made contact personally to get CISM, the Critical Incident Stress Management team that exists in each ITD district, available and ready for Wright and his crew. The individuals who are part of a CISM team are trained to offer a listening ear, help manage expectations after a traumatic event, and connect employees to the services needed. Each member is interviewed before joining the team and has related experience of their own.

“I’m not sure why I’ve always been able to handle it because I’ve seen some terrible wrecks,” Wright added. “We each deal with stuff our own way. I’ll usually call another foreman. We have each other.”

In the time since the crash, Wright has had to re-visit the site to assess damage and determine what needs done to ensure the continued integrity of US-20 near the Montana border. This road is the connection to the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park. ITD crews will conduct mastic and grader operations in the coming weeks as soon as investigations allow.

To our ITD operations and maintenance crews across the state, your contributions as first responders and the ones who pitch in during traumatic incidents do not go un-noticed. Thank you for your strength—you are appreciated and of such great worth.

Resources will always be available to help after an incident. Any ITD employee struggling as a result of work or on a personal level, don’t hesitate to contact your CISM representatives—they are happy to help and located to be able to respond immediately. You are not alone.

Drivers and riders urged to “look twice” during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Three people on motorcycles riding down a highway with hills behind them.

BOISE — With warmer days bringing more motorcycles to Idaho’s roads, May marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; a time to highlight the importance of safe driving and riding practices. The Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety (ICMS), in partnership with the Office of Highway Safety (OHS), invites riders and drivers alike to stay alert and help prevent crashes.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, riders are invited to the Motorcycle Awareness Rally at Sandy Point, Lucky Peak State Park (9723 ID-21, Boise). The event begins at 10 a.m. with an escorted ride to the Idaho State Capitol at 1 p.m., followed by a community BBQ at Kristen Armstrong Municipal Park hosted by the Christian Motorcycle Association.

Recent crash data from 2023 reveals concerning trends:

• 609 motorcycle crashes, up 11% from 2022
• 39 motorcyclist fatalities, a 38% increase from the previous year
• 86% of riders involved in crashes were injured
• 44% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved only the motorcycle
• 21% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved impaired riders
• 82% of motorcyclists killed were 30 or older, and more than half were over 50
• Helmet use among riders 18 and over in crashes remains under 67%, despite Idaho law requiring it only for those under 18

“These are more than statistics. They’re lives lost, families grieving,” said Lane Triplett, ICMS member and longtime safety advocate. “Motorcycles are less visible and less forgiving. A second glance can save a life.”

“The increasing number of motorcyclist deaths is very concerning and as Idahoans, we look out for one another,” said OHS Motorcycle Safety Coordinator Jillian Garrigues. “We can all do our part to make our roads safer. Drivers can watch out for motorcyclists, riders can improve their skills through training, and all of us can respect speed limits and ride and drive sober.”

Safety Tips

For drivers:Check your blind spots, watch for motorcycles when turning or changing lanes, and give riders plenty of space.
For riders: Wear a helmet, ride sober, and keep your skills sharp through regular training.

Triplett adds, “Safety doesn’t take the fun out of riding. It keeps the ride going.”

Learn more about safe riding practices and upcoming safety events at www.idahostar.org or follow OHS on social media.

East Idaho travelers will see even more improvements to US-20

Orange traffic control barrels and lights along US-20 in east Idaho as traffic moves beside.

RIGBY—Exploratory drilling along U.S. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Rigby, as well as pavement replacement within the active roadway north of Rexburg, begins Monday. The Idaho Transportation Department is urging travelers to be aware of equipment and crews through these particularly busy areas.

“Last year, we had three near miss occurrences as we were drilling on US-20 near Idaho Falls,” ITD Geologist Shawn Enright said. “We want people to be particularly aware so we can make sure everyone gets home at night and the work gets done too.”

Over the next three weeks, contractor partners will have drill rigs and traffic control in operation near the ramps, overpasses and canal crossings from Interstate 15 Exit 119 in Idaho Falls to Rigby to gather data for potential future widening of US-20. Work will happen within the shoulder or roadside.

More efforts to improve US-20 from North Rexburg Exit 337 to Driggs/ Jackson Exit 339 are also beginning Monday and will continue throughout the next three weeks. Contractor partners will be repairing the worst sections of roadway to provide a smoother ride for motorists.

The northbound ramp to access US-20 at Exit 337 will be closed through the day on Tuesday, April 29. Once work has progressed north, motorists will see closures of the northbound on-ramps at Sugar City/ Salem Exit 338 and Driggs/ Jackson Exit 339. Each closure is expected to last no more than a few days and will only remain through daytime hours.

This work will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and 511.idaho.gov. Drive aware and drive safe while crews make Idaho’s roads better.

ITD team’s quick action “likely saved life” in I-84 car fire

Returning from Idaho Falls via westbound Interstate 84 on a snowy March 6 around noon, ITD’s Travis Hire, Dan Conner from Aero, and Ruth Munoz from Administration spotted a car starting to smoke on the side of the freeway near the Declo Port of Entry, east of Twin Falls. The smoke was threatening to turn to flame.

Hire approached the car, and with heavy smoke billowing by ths time from the engine compartment, he called out. His heart sank as he saw an elderly woman inside the car. The woman was not coherent and “in another minute or two, it likely would have been a fatality,” according to the team. “Timing is everything.”

Dan continued battling the flames with a fire extinguisher focused on the engine compartment, and Ruth called 911 to get emergency services dispatched to the scene.

Acting quickly, Travis opened the passenger door, allowing smoke to escape and revealing the driver still in her seat, disoriented and struggling to speak. Hire saw that flames had already burned through the footwell and knew there was no time to waste. He reassured the driver, unbuckled her seatbelt, and carefully pulled her out through the passenger side to avoid traffic. Once she was safely outside, he checked her for injuries as she took deep breaths of fresh air, working to regain her bearings.

It was a great example of a ‘right place, right time, right team’ confluence.

As the team quickly retrieved the driver’s personal belongings from the vehicle, including items in the trunk.

“To go into a burning car to save someone’s life is ‘next level’ stuff,” Dan said. “I know Travis is uncomfortable with the attention, but I feel he should be recognized. He likely saved her life.”

“Besides, how often does the Emergency Manager who oversees highway rescues actually spearhead the action?!”

Once the woman had been rescued and was out of harm’s way, Simone Webb, Nicole Herrin and Robbie Swajkoski of Financial Services, who’d followed in another ITD vehicle, sat with her in a recovery vehicle until law enforcement arrived to take her statement.

“This was a great team effort, showcasing how we take care of the public,” Travis said. “At the end of the day, she was safe, and that’s what matters most.”

The event in Idaho Falls was the annual State facilities management meeting, where topics ranged from project status checks, to finance, technology, GIS, business managers, Operations engineering lessons learned, duties, roles & responsibilities and more.

Photo: Rescue Team, l to r: Travis Hire, Robbie Swajkoski, Ruth Munoz, and Nicole Herrin. Dan Conner is not pictured.

Spring road restrictions go into effect on Idaho roadways

Sign notifying drivers of breakup limits in effect.

Sections of some state highways in Boundary County will find themselves under weight and speed restrictions starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow as regional weather trends begin to warm ahead of spring.

Immediate impacts to commercial vehicles will be:

US-95 from the US-2 junction to Eastport (milepost 511 to 538.56)

Commercial vehicles 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating and greater will be restricted to 30 miles per hour with legal axle weight

US-2 from the US-95 junction to the Montana state line (milepost 64.35 to 80.18)

Commercial vehicles 10,000 GVWR and greater will be restricted to 30 miles per hour with legal axle weight

SH-1 from the US-95 junction to Porthill (milepost 0 to 11.19)

Commercial vehicles 10,000 GVWR and greater will be restricted to 30 miles per hour and 14,000 LB per axle, or legal axle weight whichever is less

State Highways 200 and 57 in Bonner County will likely also see similar restrictions in place starting next week.

As the season changes, additional sections of highways across the entire Idaho Panhandle may have load limits and speed restrictions in effect. These restrictions are communicated with red/green indicator flags on load limit signs. Red means restrictions are in effect and large vehicles must follow the reduced limits. When green flags are out it means all traffic can flow without restrictions as the road conditions are more stable.

ITD crews closely monitor both weather and road conditions and make determinations about restrictions being in effect, which is why drivers may see them intermittently on and off as conditions change.

“These restrictions are put in place when the highways start showing signs of stress from the winter freeze/thaw cycle,” Boundary Foreman George Shutes said.

As the frost and ice thaw, they turn into water underneath the road, making the ground soft and highly vulnerable to damage. Large vehicles, because of their weight, push that water as they drive, almost like a wave moving through the layers beneath the road. This causes serious damage to the highway’s base and pavement, leading to cracks, erosion, and ultimately, the road breaking down much faster.

Slowing those vehicles down, and in some cases, limiting the weight, significantly reduces the stress on the roadway and prevents unnecessary damage like severe potholes. This not only protects the road from costly repairs, but also extends its lifespan, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars and ensuring safer driving conditions for everyone.

While restrictions are in effect, state law does not require large vehicles to pull over or allow cars to pass. This means that there is the potential for delays with reduced speeds along highway corridors.

“The best thing people can do this time of year is give themselves a little extra time to get from point A to point B,” Idaho State Police Sergeant Ron Sutton said. “Too often we see people get impatient and take unnecessary risks, like attempting to pass when it’s not safe, and those decisions can lead to disaster.”

Load limit restriction information is largely targeted towards commercial drivers on the 511 system, however that information is available to everyone by adjusting program settings. Drivers can find up to the minute road restriction information both online and through the app by following the steps below.

Online users can select the ‘Restrictions’ option under ‘Trucker Information’ on the menu on the right side of the page. See the first example below.

Mobile users can select the driver view setting to toggle into ‘Trucker view’ mode to view restriction information. See the second example below.

Example 1

Example 2

ITD announces new incident response program for the I-90 corridor in North Idaho

UPDATE: This service will now be on duty Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., after further coordination with law enforcement.

The Idaho Transportation Department is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Incident Response Vehicle program, which will begin operation next week to assist drivers along key corridors in North Idaho. This initiative is designed to enhance safety by providing rapid response to disabled vehicles, minor crashes, and other roadside emergencies, allowing motorists to get safely off the highway with minimal delay or risk to other drivers.

The IVR will primarily patrol the I-90 corridor, focusing particularly on work zones where limited shoulders and a lack of space pose more risk for travelers experiencing difficulties. These high-priority areas include ongoing construction projects at the State Highway 41 Interchange and the upcoming four lane expansion between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene. Additionally, the truck will respond to incidents along the US-95 corridor stretching from the Spokane River Bridge to Lancaster Road through Coeur d’Alene.

The program will offer a wide range of services to assist drivers in need, including helping with flat tire changes, delivering small amounts of fuel for vehicles that have run out, jump-starting dead batteries, and even providing push or pull assistance for vehicles stuck in ditches following a crash or slide-off. The truck is fully equipped with the tools necessary to address minor maintenance issues and also has lights and signs to alert other drivers to a potential hazard while they work to clear the incident. Outside of keeping everyone safer, these free services are expected to save money by preventing costly congestion.

The new truck will be operated by a dedicated ITD operations employee and will be in service from Tuesday to Friday, between 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The schedule was created based on data analysis of traffic volume and incident trends to maximize the program’s impact during peak hours and will be subject to change with the season.

“We are excited to bring this vital service to North Idaho,” said Ryan Crabtree, ITD Business Operations Manager. “By providing this dedicated vehicle, we are not only helping drivers get back on the road more quickly but also improving safety for everyone by reducing the risks associated with stopped vehicles in high-traffic areas.”

The new program builds on the success of a similar initiative in the Treasure Valley region of Southern Idaho, which has been operational since 1997. In fact, this initial vehicle was donated by ITD’s southern district. District One plans to add an additional incident response truck to its fleet later this summer

This new program also aims to support law enforcement agencies by helping to alleviate some of their non-emergency calls for traffic issues. With the addition of ITD’s Incident Response Truck, local law enforcement can focus on more complex and urgent matters, while ITD staff handle minor incidents and roadside assistance. For more critical traffic incidents that require police investigation, the IRV can help to provide additional traffic control to ensure the safety of first responders and other drivers on the road.

“We look forward to working closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated response to incidents,” Crabtree said. “This collaboration will help ensure that our highways are safer and that we are meeting the needs of the community.”

ITD encourages drivers to slow down and “move over” in accordance with Idaho law when emergency vehicles like this one are operating.

Anyone finding themselves in need of assistance, especially through the work zones or on busy roadways, should report emergencies to 911 or non-emergencies to local law enforcement.