BOISE, Idaho — As COVID-19 restrictions ease in Idaho and across the country, more people are preparing to hit the road and take advantage of the warm weather and long days.
While Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, it also marks the beginning of the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads. This is the time frame between Memorial Day and Labor Day where the state sees an increased amount of fatalities caused by car accidents.
In 2020, 88 people lost their lives on Idaho's roads between Memorial Day and Labor Day. According to Jillian Garrigues, a public information officer with the Idaho Transpiration Department (ITD), this year's 100 deadliest days are not off to a good start.
“This weekend we have already seen seven deaths, so unfortunately, it is already starting," Garrigues said. "It’s something that everyone needs to keep in mind when they get behind the wheel.
Garrigues believes the high number of crash fatalities has to do with more people on the roads and the rollback of COVID-19 restrictions.
“There are more cars on the road than there were this time last year right in the height of the stay-home order,” she said. “We are anticipating this summer we will see more people on the roads as well because COVID restrictions are lifting and people are feeling confident and safe again to get back on the road and travel.”
The United States saw an 8% rise in crash-related deaths in 2020, according to the National Safety Council. Meanwhile, the Gem State bucked the trend with a 7% decrease.
The goal is to get that number to 0 fatalities.
“It’s very sad when you think about it," Garrigues said. "88 people lost their lives during this time frame last year between Memorial day and Labor day weekend and some of these crashes can be avoided. Just buckling up your seat belt increases your risk of surviving a crash by 50%.”
71 Idahoans were saved in crashes in 2019 because of their seatbelts, according to ITD. Tragically, 42 were not saved.
“You want to always have your seatbelt on, make sure that you are driving at the speed limit and making those safe choices behind the wheel," Garrigues said. "You have that phone put away and you are leaving the distractions behind."
As the state continues to grow, it’s important for drivers to be patient with new drivers and to drive sober.
“These are easy things you can do and you have to think about other people too," Garrigues said. "You're protecting your own life behind the wheel when you make a good choice, but you're also protecting other peoples lives as well. Everyone wants to get home safely to their families.”
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