BOISE, Idaho — This week starts the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads, a time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when officials see a spike in fatal traffic crashes and dangerous driving.
There were 7,430 crashes resulting in 79 deaths during this time period last year, according to Idaho State Police. Of those fatalities, 34 were due to no seatbelts, 20 due to failure to maintain lane and 11 due to speed.
Other factors included inattention, alcohol, improper lane changes and fatigue.
“When we get the nicer weather, all bets are off,” said Matthew Conde, AAA Idaho public affairs director. "People start traveling faster speeds and it leads to some dangerous impacts out there on the roads.”
Idaho is also at a 20-year high for fatal crashes on roads, Conde said.
“It speaks to the fact that we’ve got some work to do as far as getting back on track,” Conde said.
While some may think the winter months would be more dangerous in the Gem State with inclement weather conditions, the opposite is true, ISP District 3 Captain Mike Winans said.
With more people on the roadways, going on vacation and off school, Winans said the summer months tend to be the most dangerous. There are also more pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists on the roads.
Additionally, Idaho’s population growth is adding to the amount of drivers.
Winans said there isn’t a particular time or age range that sparks more crashes, either.
“We seem to have crashes all times of the day – it doesn’t matter the day of the week,” Winans said.
In order to stay safe this summer, both Winans and Conde recommended that drivers stay alert, ditch the distractions, drive the speed limit and avoid trailing behind other drivers too close.
For new drivers, Conde said it's important to remember that just because they have their license now, that doesn’t mean they aren’t still learning. Conde said he hopes parents will set a good example for teen drivers and teach them how to safely follow driving rules.
“It’s fascinating that people think they are the safest drivers on the road and they are doing the same things they would never want someone else to do,” Conde said.
In general, Conde said to remember to keep your community in mind while driving, and stay safe and conscious for the state of Idaho.
“Be cognizant of the fact that you are sharing the road with a lot of people that want to get home safely as well,” Conde said.
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