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/