This could be a record-breaking summer for deaths on Idaho roadways. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is so fraught with collisions and accidents it’s come to be known as the hundred deadliest days, and this summer is proving no exception.
The state is currently averaging more than one death per day from motorist accidents. Figures from the Idaho Transportation Department reveal that, as of Tuesday, 62 motorists have died in crashes since Memorial Day. By the same time last summer, there had been 60 fatalities. The summer of 2016 was considered one of the deadliest seasons in Idaho at about 96 deaths total.
ITD spokesperson Bill Kotowski tells the Idaho State Journal, "over the last few years, the number of deaths on our roads during the summer months have been trending upwards."
In an effort to combat this undesirable pattern, more than 50 state and local law enforcement officials are partnering with ITD to conduct extra patrols. The patrols will start Friday and continue through August 4. Officers say they’ll be on the lookout for aggressive, distracted or impaired drivers .
Authorities hope these rising numbers will serve as a reminder to buckle up and avoid distractions like texting while behind the wheel. With even more traffic expected on the roads next month for the solar eclipse, drivers should be extra cautious.
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