ISP gears up for '100 Deadliest Days'

COEUR d'ALENE — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Idaho State Police urge drivers to exercise caution during the "100 Deadliest Days" on Idaho roads. 

This period, lasting from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is historically the most dangerous driving time due to high traffic volume, high temperatures and increased outdoor activities, a press release said.

Last year, the Idaho Transportation Department reported 7,430 crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days, resulting in 79 fatalities. 

This year, ITD reported there have already been 70 crash-related deaths in Idaho, including two in Kootenai County, two in Bonner County and one in Benewah County.

The recent crash on U.S. 20 in Bonneville County tragically killed six people in one vehicle.

"People aren't replaceable. These crashes devastate our communities and the families involved," said Col. Kedrick Wills, director of ISP. "I urge everyone to drive responsibly, stay focused and prioritize safety."

Kootenai County Sheriff's Lt.  Zachary Sifford said that last year Kootenai County experienced a high number of collisions including fatality and serious injury collisions. 

 "As we begin experiencing the good warm summer weather, we see the bad habits such as speeding, DUI, music and other distractions seem to increase," he said. "We encourage drivers to have patience and remember the significant increases of runners, bicyclist and motorcycle usage along roadways. No human life is replaceable, we all suffer when we lose someone to traffic-related incidents."

Sifford said as the 100 Deadliest Days approach, they want everyone to buckle up, slow down, drive with caution, have patience and slow down. 

Citizens are encouraged to call 911 if they witness reckless, aggressive driving or suspect a driver of being impaired.

To help mitigate risks, ISP and law enforcement agencies statewide will conduct enforcement campaigns throughout the summer to target impaired drivers, aggressive driving and seat belt violations. 

Over Memorial Day weekend, troopers will strictly enforce impaired driving laws, whether buzzed, drunk or high. Drivers are strongly encouraged to plan for a sober ride before festivities begin.

During the 100 Deadliest Days, teen drivers face higher risks due to immaturity, inexperience and lack of skills.

From 2017 until 2021, Idaho had 167 fatal crashes involving people between the ages of 15 and 20. That makes up 15.6% of all fatal crashes in the Gem State during that time frame, second only to Utah. 

The leading cause of crashes continues to be distracted driving, impaired driving and reckless behavior. 

“The message is clear: Buckle up, every trip, every time. Drive sober. If you feel different, you drive differently. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel," said Stacey Waddell, Idaho SADD state coordinator. "We tell teens every day that their actions impact all roadway users, but that message is true for every driver, passenger and pedestrian.”