Category: Safety

This category is for safety topics, including initiatives for the Office of Highway Safety

Eighty-two lives lost during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads

Eighty-two* lives were lost in traffic crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has preliminary data on this year’s 100 Deadliest Days, when there is a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes across the state. From Memorial Day through Labor Day more people are out of school or work, on vacation, and celebrating. Risky driving behaviors like distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding increase.

The 82* people killed this summer is slightly fewer than the 93 people killed during the 100 Deadliest Days last year. For all of 2024 so far 156* people have died in traffic crashes, compared to 165 last year. 2023 was the deadliest year for traffic crashes in over a decade.

“While there were fewer crashes than last summer, we still lost 82 people during the 100 Deadliest Days. Every traffic death is a tragedy, and we can do more to prevent them,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “Whether we are driving for work or fun, we can always drive engaged, always drive sober, and obey speed limits so that we don’t lose more Idahoans to traffic crashes.”

Top 10 Contributing Circumstances for crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days (in no particular order):

  • Fail to maintain lane
  • Speeding
  • Alcohol impairment
  • Inattention
  • Fail to yield
  • Crossed centerline
  • Overcorrecting
  • Following too close
  • Improper turn
  • Drug impairment

100 Deadliest Days deaths* by ITD District and County:

District 1

  • Kootenai – 5
  • Bonner – 3
  • Boundary – 2
  • Shoshone – 2
  • Benewah – 0

District 2

  • Idaho – 4
  • Nez Perce – 3
  • Clearwater – 1
  • Latah – 0
  • Lewis – 0

District 3

  • Ada – 9
  • Canyon – 8
  • Payette – 4
  • Owyhee – 2
  • Gem – 1
  • Elmore – 1
  • Adams- 0
  • Valley – 0
  • Washington – 0
  • Boise – 0

District 4

  • Twin Falls – 6
  • Gooding – 4
  • Lincoln – 2
  • Jerome – 2
  • Cassia – 1
  • Camas – 0
  • Blaine – 0
  • Minidoka – 0

District 5

  • Bannock – 3
  • Power – 2
  • Bingham – 1
  • Bear Lake – 1
  • Caribou – 0
  • Oneida – 0
  • Franklin – 0

District 6

  • Bonneville – 9
  • Clark – 2
  • Lemhi – 1
  • Fremont – 1
  • Madison – 1
  • Teton – 1
  • Butte – 0
  • Custer – 0
  • Jefferson – 0

*All 2024 data is preliminary and subject to change

Law enforcement mobilizing to stop impaired drivers this Labor Day

Police and sheriffs’ departments from across the state are joining the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) in a Labor Day Impaired Driving Mobilization. Expect to see more officers on the road now through September 2 to stop impaired drivers before they hurt themselves or someone else.

Labor Day also marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho Roads. It’s the time when Idaho sees a rise in impaired, distracted and aggressive driving that leads to more injuries and deaths on our roads.

At the start of the summer there were a lot of deadly crashes. The number of fatalities was trending above the previous year, however the rate of deadly crashes slowed after the Fourth of July. Currently 70* people have been killed on Idaho roads this summer, that’s less than last summer at this time, when the total was 79. This year-to-date 145* people have been killed in traffic crashes, compared to 151 at this time in 2023. In 2023 there were 275 total traffic deaths, the deadliest year in over a decade.

“Every crash is a tragedy, and in the case of impaired driving crashes, they are always preventable,” explained Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton, “We partner with police to stop drunk drivers from hurting people, but everyone can have a positive impact by getting a sober ride home instead of driving impaired.”

*Preliminary data, subject to change

ITD receives BNSF ‘Tracking to Zero’ railway safety award

 

On July 16, the Idaho Transportation Department in District 1 was presented with the BNSF Railway Company’s inaugural “Tracking to Zero” award on behalf of the State of Idaho as one of four state transportation departments honored for dedication to improving the safety of railway grade crossings in their communities last year. Co-awardee DOTs include Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

“Because trains are limited in their ability to prevent a collision, safety gains are better achieved by improving how drivers interact around railroad tracks,” said Richard Scott, BNSF’s Assistant Director of Public Projects.Graphic map of the BNSF railway through north Idaho

This award is a first-of-its-kind initiative to recognize agencies whose proactive approach to partnership and action have resulted in less than one crossing injury incident per one million BNSF train miles traveled in their respective states per year. By working with state transportation agencies and community partners BNSF says it maintains the lowest grade crossing collision rate in the industry.

While Idaho is the 14th-largest state in the country, the Idaho portion of the BNSF Railway network exists exclusively within the Panhandle region of District 1, with approximately 130 miles of railway and 91 crossings that stretch between Bonners Ferry and Coeur d’Alene, and from the Washington to Montana state lines.

“It’s not just railroad crossings on state routes that we manage,” District Traffic Engineer Nathan Herbst said. ITD is responsible for all railroad crossings not on private property, meaning there is state responsibility for those occurring on county and local roads as well.

“As an agency, each year we make progress to upgrade more and more crossings throughout the state. Ideally, the goal for ITD is to eventually see some type of active control or signalization at every at-grade crossing in Idaho,” Herbst said.

On average, the cost to enhance these crossings can be anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million, which can come from state or federal funding or through grant opportunities.

Close up photo of the 'Tracking to Zero' trophy.“It truly is a team effort between the agencies,” Traffic Engineering Manager Lee Bernardi stated. Every year members of ITD’s traffic team meet with BNSF specialists in the field at various crossings to review them from a safety perspective and work together to decide the best course of action to improve safety.

“We are all experts in our own arenas, so by combining that expertise and insight from the people who are interacting with those crossings on a daily basis, like train engineers who observe fatalities, incidents and near-misses, we are able to anticipate safety risks and create a mitigation plan before a crash occurs,” said Bernardi.

Over the years, enhancements to safety have resulted from physical improvements such as constructing grade-separated crossings and enhanced signalization systems, but what has likely been the most impactful measure of success for ITD has been the meaningful and collaborative partnership with BNSF.

This relationship continually supports timely and effective safety measures embedded within routine transportation projects. It played a key role in the successful bid to secure grant funding for the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. That project, slated to begin construction later this summer and ultimately eliminate three at-grade crossings, will completely overhaul the safety dynamic of roadway-railway interactions along the corridor.

In 2023, several projects throughout the district served as a testament to agencies’ cohesive alliance. ITD created and posted safe access points for railway crews while they built a second railroad bridge across Lake Pend Oreille, coordinated to obtain interim railroad permits to keep active construction moving on SH-53 near Rathdrum, and worked together to overcome obstacles with regard to impacted property while expanding US-2 and improving vertical clearance under a railroad bridge in Sandpoint.

A huge point of pride with this award, according to Bernardi, is the fact that it isn’t something ITD was intentionally trying to achieve.

“We didn’t know until about a week ago that we had been selected to receive this award, so this focus on safety and prevention is honestly the organic result of our agencies commitment to the wellbeing of our transportation users and our productive partnership with BNSF,” Bernardi explained.

Add it to the list of things that make our state a wonderful place to live, work and visit—drivers in Idaho can count on peace of mind knowing that safety on our roadways, and railways, remains a top priority for all.

“We are excited at the opportunity to maintain our status as a top contender for this award for years to come and will continue to support ‘Tracking Towards Zero’ with our partners at BNSF,” Bernardi proclaimed.

Vehicle waiting as a BNSF train safely passes through an intersection in North Idaho.

Take it slow and safe, police on the lookout for aggressive driving

Roadway intersection with traffic

We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect you, your family, friends, and all road users. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be patrolling Idaho roads for aggressive drivers between July 19 and August 11 to help ensure everyone can travel to their final destinations safely and enjoy the last hurrahs of summer.

So far this summer, 40* people have died in crashes on Idaho roads, bringing the year-to-date total to 114* deaths.

“Speed limits save lives and you can too by slowing down, buckling up, and driving engaged,” explained Denise Dinnauer, aggressive driving program specialist with the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS). “Driving engaged means free from distractions, actively scanning the road ahead, and following the speed limit to safely react to any dangers that occur.”

OHS prepares an annual traffic crash report. It is a statistical analysis of all crashes that happen on Idaho roads each year. The full 2023 Idaho Traffic Crash Report is now available online.

The report shows that aggressive driving was a contributing factor in 50 percent of motor vehicle crashes and 103 people were killed in aggressive driving crashes on Idaho roadways last year. While 74% of all aggressive driving crashes occurred in urban areas, 61% of the fatal aggressive driving crashes occurred in rural areas. Drivers under age 19 were 43.9 times as likely to be involved in aggressive driving crashes and drivers 20-24 were 1.9 times as likely to be involved in aggressive driving crashes.

*Preliminary data, subject to change

ITD maintenance crews on alert to assist Idaho drivers during heatwave, motorists need to also prepare

Picture of an ITD truck.

With consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is urging motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicles for traveling in the extreme heat.

ITD maintenance teams across Southwest Idaho are taking proactive measures by actively checking on vehicles pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. This extra diligence aims to ensure the safety and well-being of drivers during record heat, as being stranded can quickly turn dangerous in these conditions.

“We know that these scorching temperatures can pose serious risks, and our maintenance crews are committed to helping drivers stay safe on the roads. We urge all drivers to take necessary precautions and plan their trips wisely,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.

Alongside these actions, ITD encourages motorists to take these steps when hitting the road in triple-digit temperatures:

  • Top off coolant levels if needed.
  • Check tires and tire pressure to reduce the chances of a blowout on hot roads.
  • Make sure to have a spare tire for your vehicle.
  • Pack extra water.
  • Completely fill your gas tank, as the engine uses more fuel when the air conditioner is running.
  • Pack an emergency travel kit filled with snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit for unexpected delays.
  • Look before you lock. Never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.

By following these tips and benefiting from our maintenance team’s vigilant efforts, motorists can navigate Idaho’s highways safely during periods of high temperatures.

Drive safe as Idaho sees an alarming spike in traffic deaths

U.S. Highway 12 - Summer 2023 Road Construction

It is shaping up to be a deadly summer on Idaho roads. As many Idahoans make Fourth of July travel plans, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) encourages caution behind the wheel. Since May 24, 31* people have been killed in traffic crashes in the Gem State.

The year-to-date traffic fatality total is 105* deaths, already a deadlier year than 2023. At this time last year, there were 94 traffic fatalities. 2023 was the deadliest year on Idaho roads since 2003.

Idaho is in the middle of a period called the 100 Deadliest Days. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, when there is typically a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes across the state. More people are out of school or work, on vacation, and celebrating, and risky driving behaviors like impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding increase.

“There’s no better place to be than Idaho’s great outdoors in the summer, but we want everyone to make it home safely too,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “Our actions behind the wheel are the only way we can prevent this senseless loss of life on our roads. Plan a sober ride, like a designated driver, especially if you are celebrating the holiday far from home.”

OHS and law enforcement partners across the state are teaming up to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers. Expect to see more officers on DUI patrol now through July 10th.

For the Fourth of July and the rest of the summer, remember these driving tips:

  • Always wear a seat belt. It increases your chances of surviving a crash by 50%.
  • Drive engaged—no distractions behind the wheel.
  • Never drink and drive. Plan a sober ride home and encourage your friends to as well.
  • Obey speed limits, drive slower if conditions are poor.

*Preliminary data, subject to change.

ITD making changes to ensure detour routes for the Teton Pass stay open

Cars traveling along Idaho State Highway 31, part of the detour route while Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass is closed.

Idaho Transportation Department maintenance workers from St. Anthony, Driggs, and Ashton have switched schedules to provide around-the-clock coverage for detours established after the closure of Wyoming State Highway 22 over Teton Pass on June 8.

Drivers are being routed to Idaho State Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass to Swan Valley, U.S. Highway 26 to Alpine, and US-89 toward Hoback Junction. Crews start the day at 3 a.m. ahead of most commuter traffic. Already these efforts have taken care of roadkill, found and moved an overturned car, and alerted farmers of escaped livestock on the road.

“We’re trying to keep the road and the public safe as best we can with increased traffic,” Operations Foreman Lucas Richins said. “We need people to be on their toes, watching for all the signs, driving patiently and planning extra time to travel due to the congestion.”

Digital message boards are in place at all intersections and areas needed in advance of the detour route. All drivers should be on the lookout for these digital signs that will be updated frequently.

In addition, ITD is staying in coordination with Idaho State Police to help minimize response times to accidents. Drivers should be aware that speed trailers and increased ISP patrols will be in effect.

Guardrail repair and fiber installation efforts along SH-31 have been completed or paused to eliminate any traffic delays.

“We’re doing everything we can to try and make this situation as good as it can be,” said Bryan Young, the acting District Engineer.

Stay up to date on status of the Teton Pass detour routes by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app. Travelers can also refer to the Wyoming Department of Transportation Media Kit for daily updates.

North Idaho receives funding to combat multi-substance impaired driving

Many officers and a police 59 stand for a group photo.

North Idaho’s DUI Task Force has received a $28,750 grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID), and Responsibility.org to stop multi-substance impaired drivers. This funding will train more drug recognition experts (DREs) and law-enforcement phlebotomists, giving officers better tools to detect and remove impaired drivers from our roads.

The North Idaho DUI Task Force is a coalition of 15 regional law enforcement agencies representing jurisdictions in all five northern counties of the panhandle. They work together and with partners like the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) to stop impaired drivers in the region.

In 2023 the task force worked 12 joint operations during suspected DUI peak events and hours like evenings and weekends. Those enforcement operations coincided with community outreach aimed at educating drivers about the dangers of impaired driving before they get behind the wheel. For example, during the targeted enforcement on New Year’s Eve 2023, the task force made 30 DUI arrests, responded to one DUI crash and there were no DUI-related fatalities, showing that their efforts are saving lives.

Sergeant Troy Tulleners from Idaho State Police (ISP) District One highlighted the importance of collaboration in enhancing public safety. “The Idaho State Police is proud to work with local law enforcement and the Office of Highway Safety. By pooling resources and expertise, we ensure a comprehensive approach to traffic safety.”

The new grant will improve the capacity of local law enforcement to address multi-substance impaired driving. More trained DREs and law-enforcement phlebotomists will lead to safer roads and fewer collisions, protecting lives in North Idaho.

“Our law enforcement partners in Idaho and across the country are doing everything they can to address impaired driving and make our roads safer, but they face an incredible challenge and need our support,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. “GHSA’s decade-long partnership with Responsibility.org and NASID helps provide law enforcement with the resources they need to identify impaired drivers, making our roads safer for everyone.”

Sergeant Tulleners emphasized the success of partnerships in reducing collisions and improving road safety. “Together, we have made significant strides in making our roads safer. This grant funding will bolster the Task Force members’ efforts during peak enforcement times in hopes of lowering the respective fatalities. Furthermore, it will be utilized to bolster the capabilities and training of officers, on or off the task force, in recognizing and stopping impaired drivers every shift.“

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About GHSA

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management, and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Visit ghsa.org for more information or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Responsibility.org

Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit Responsibility.org.

About NASID

The National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving is a coalition established and led by Responsibility.org to eliminate all forms of impaired driving, especially multiple substance impaired driving, through effective and proven measures such as DUI system reform, DUI detection, and improved use of data and technology. To learn more visit NASID.org.

Drive safe, the 100 Deadliest Days are upon us

Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy travel time in the Gem State. Idaho is about to enter the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads- the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when there is a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. Seventy* people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads so far this year-  including the recent crash on US 20 in Bonneville County that tragically killed six people in one vehicle. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is imploring drivers to be vigilant and drive engaged this Memorial Day weekend and all summer.

“We call this period the 100 Deadliest Days, but it would be great to be proven wrong. Make it safer out there for yourself and others by slowing down, putting down distractions, buckling up, and planning a sober ride home,” said OHS program manager Josephine Middleton.

While it would seem like winter is the most dangerous time to drive, driving is more dangerous in summer. This seems paradoxical. Why would roads be more dangerous in summer when weather conditions are better? During the summer more people are out of school or work, on vacation, and celebrating leading to higher rates of risky behavior behind the wheel like impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding.

A graph of fatal crashes by month. The graph shows a spike in crashes in June, July and August.
Graph: Fatal crashes by month 2018-2022.

This summer OHS and its partners across the state will work together to remind people to make safer choices whenever they are on the road. Some of these activities will include partnering with law enforcement agencies to get dangerous drivers off the road, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach events.

“We have a lot of wonderful partners who help us make Idaho’s roads a safer place, but we can’t just rely on them,” Middleton said. “We can all do a better job of looking out for each other on our roads and make it safely through this summer.”

2024 Fatality information*:

70 people killed in traffic crashes to date

58 people in vehicles

5 people on motorcycles

4 people on foot

1 person on a bicycle

2 people on ATVs/UTVs/Etc.

2024 Fatalities by county:

District 1

Bonner – 2

Kootenai – 2

Benewah – 1

Boundary & Shoshone – 0

District 2

Nez Perce – 4

Idaho – 2

Latah – 1

Lewis – 1

Clearwater – 0

District 3

Ada – 7

Canyon – 9

Elmore – 1

Valley – 1

Washington – 2

Payette – 2

Owyhee – 1

Adams, Boise & Gem – 0

District 4

Lincoln – 3

Cassia – 7

Jerome – 3

Twin Falls – 1

Blaine – 1

Minidoka – 1

Camas & Gooding – 0

District 5

Franklin – 2

Bingham – 3

Bannock -2

Oneida – 1

Power, Bear Lake & Caribou – 0

District 6

Bonneville – 8

Custer – 1

Madison – 1

Lemhi, Butte, Clark, Jefferson, Fremont, & Teton – 0

*All 2024 data is preliminary and subject to change.

87% of Idahoans wear their seat belt. Let’s make it 100%

A woman buckles her seat belt.

Eighty-seven percent of Idahoans wear their seat belt, according to the Idaho Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) 2023 observational seatbelt survey. OHS and law enforcement partners across the state are encouraging all Idahoans to buckle up. From May 20 to June 2 expect to see more officers on the roads to educate drivers about the importance of wearing a seat belt.

Seat belts increase a person’s chances of surviving a crash by nearly 50 percent. Last year, 104* of the people killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belts – 52 of them could have survived had they all worn their seat belts.

While more crashes happen in urban areas, the fatality rate is higher on rural roads. Seat belt use is also lower in rural areas. To coincide with the statewide seat belt enforcement, OHS is launching a new campaign focused on rural road safety. The campaign includes radio ads featuring rural emergency medical service providers (EMS) from around the state. The launch also coincides with National EMS Week, which is marking it’s 50th anniversary this year.

In the ads, first responders explain what it’s like to respond to crashes in their close-knit communities. “In our rural area we usually know a lot of people, and it makes it really hard to have to pull a friend out of a vehicle,” said Christy, an EMT from Washington County in the ads. “We want to make sure everyone can keep making wonderful memories and arrive at their destination safely.”

EMS and post-crash care are a crucial part of safety on our roads. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2021 nearly 9,000 people were ejected or partially ejected from vehicles during crashes. Seat belts play a huge role in preventing ejections and improving outcomes for people injured in crashes.

“EMTs are a crucial part of our communities. Let’s help them help us by wearing a seat belt,” urged Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton.

The goal of this campaign is to remind Idahoans that we need to be proactive about our own safety by simply buckling up.

*Preliminary Data