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

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

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%

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

ITD installing sensors at Idaho Ports of Entry to find damaged tires

A tire blowout on a semitruck traveling at highway speeds can be dangerous, even deadly. As part of the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) ongoing commitment to safety, the agency will begin installing Tire Anomaly and Classification (TAC) Systems at Ports of Entry (POE) around the state.

Ports of Entry inspect commercial vehicles and oversee their safe operation on Idaho roads. TAC systems are installed in the road and screen semitruck tires for anomalies and damage. Port employees can use the TAC data to notify truck drivers of damaged or underinflated tires before they cause a safety problem.

Idaho’s first TAC system was installed at the Declo POE in February 2023. Over 1,100 tire anomalies have been detected since the system went live.

“Installing TAC systems is a proactive approach to safety,” explained ITD Commercial Vehicle Services Manager Craig Roberts. “The driving public is much safer when commercial vehicles with tire issues are stopped to correct blowouts, flats, or missing tires.”

The TAC installation schedule is as follows:

East Boise POE in both directions, week of May 28.
Lewiston POE in both directions, week of July 15.
Sage POE in both directions, tentatively late July or early August depending on other road construction in the area.
Huetter POE in both directions, tentatively August depending on other road construction in the area.
Inkom POE will have a phased installation. Southbound is to be completed in June. Northbound is to be completed next year during work on the Inkom interchange.

The cost for all the new TAC systems combined is $1.2 million. In 2022, the economic cost of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Idaho was over $627 million.

Pictured above: Tires caught by the TAC system.

Safe walking, biking, and scootering: Idaho receives youth mobility grant

In May, we honor both National Bicycle Safety Month and National Youth Traffic Safety Month. Idaho is among the five states recognized by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) with grants for youth mobility. The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, in partnership with the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS), has secured a $25,000 grant from the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF). This grant will support efforts to educate Idaho’s children on safe walking, biking, and scootering.

The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is a non-profit dedicated to making walking and biking a healthy, safe, and reliable transportation option for Idahoans. The Alliance will use the grant funding to provide several communities with hands-on lessons about Idaho’s roads. This project aims to fill an educational void for middle and high school students, specifically bridging the gap between K-6 Safe Routes to School programming and driver education and training. Students will learn about active transportation modes such as walking, biking, or scooting, which provide equitable access to school for many in the community.

“There is a crucial gap when kids in middle school are biking and walking and have not yet learned the rules of the road. As students become more independent, being able to get where they are going safely is an essential life skill. Our goal is to educate these students so they can get where they are going, safely, and to become drivers that keep people who are walking and cycling safe,” said Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Education Specialist Margaret Havey.

Nationally and in Idaho, traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for young people. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2021*, nationally nearly 1,200 children (age 14 and younger) died in traffic crashes that year, up 8% from 2020. In Idaho, child traffic fatalities increased from 5 in 2020, to 9 in 2021.

The Walk Bike Alliance is looking for schools, community organizations, or recreation programs that are interested in participating in the program. To get involved please contact Margaret Havey at margaret@idahowalkbike.org.

*2021 is the most recent year for complete national data from NHTSA

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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 X/Twitter.

About NRSF

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded more than 60 years ago, produces traffic safety programs on distracted driving, speed and aggression, impaired driving, drowsy driving, driver proficiency, pedestrian safety and a host of other safety issues. It distributes the programs free of charge to schools, police and traffic safety advocates, community groups and individuals. It also sponsors contests to engage teens in promoting safe driving to their peers and in their communities. For more information or to download free programs, visit nrsf.org.

Riders invited to Motorcycle Awareness Rally on May 4

It is that time of year again! The time when more motorcyclists are out on Idaho roads. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and to mark the occasion the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety (ICMS) is hosting a Motorcycle Awareness Rally on May 4.

Motorcycle riders are invited to join ICMS, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS), and partners for the event on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Sandy Point in Lucky Peak State Park, 9723 ID-21, Boise, ID 83716. Motorcyclists can meet in the park starting at 10 a.m. An escorted ride from Sandy Point to the Idaho State Capitol starts at 1 p.m. Following the ride, the Christian Motorcycle Association is hosting a barbeque at Ann Morrison Park, 1000 S Americana Blvd, Boise, ID 83706.

“We want to remind the drivers out there that they are sharing the road with motorcyclists, who are more exposed than people in cars. Looking twice for motorcycles can save someone’s life,” explained ICMS rally organizer Lane Triplett.

According to OHS data, in 2022 there were 529 motorcycle-related crashes, and 29 motorcyclists were killed. Most fatalities that year were clustered in the months of June, July, and August. Drivers can help protect motorcyclists by:

Checking your blind spots. Motorcycles are small compared to other vehicles, so don’t rely on mirrors alone.
Always use your turn signals. Signaling helps motorcyclists anticipate traffic flow.
Look twice. Sun and rain glare can make motorcycles hard to see. Snow, rain, and fog can obscure your vision too. Always check twice for bikes.

Motorcyclists can protect themselves in the following ways:

Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing.
Ride with headlights on.
Establish lane positions that increase visibility – don’t ride in blind spots.
Enhance your skills. Idaho STAR (Skills Training Advantage for Riders) has classes across the state and for all experience levels.