‘100 Deadliest Days’ on Idaho roads total 88 fatalities

By Reader Staff

The Idaho Office of Highway Safety reported Sept. 17 that 88 people died in crashes on Idaho roads during the so-called “100 Deadliest Days” — defined as the dates between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays.

Though all numbers are preliminary, that figure is up from 82 during the same period in 2024, with one fatality reported in Bonner County during this year’s busiest traffic season.

“During this time, more people are on vacation, celebrating or traveling, and risky driving behaviors tend to rise,” OHS stated. “Of the 60 people killed in motor vehicle crashes, 23 were not wearing seat belts. Nearly one-quarter of those killed this summer were motorcyclists.”

The top contributing factors to road fatalities were lack of seat belt use; failure to maintain lane; speeding; alcohol impairment; inattention; driving left of center; overcorrection; lack of helmet use; asleep, drowsy or fatigued while driving; and improper overtaking.

According to an announcement of this year’s 100 Deadliest Days, the Idaho Transportation Department and OHS are working to change the upward trend in road fatalities by gathering and sharing data, as well as ramping up public awareness through statewide education campaigns, expanding enforcement efforts in conjunction with local law enforcement and improving infrastructure for safety.

The top two most populous counties in Idaho experienced the highest number of fatalities with a combined total of 17 during the period, while Kootenai County — the third-largest county in the state — suffered four fatalities.

“Every death is a tragedy,” stated Highway Safety Manager Jo Middleton. “We can save lives by always wearing a seat belt, driving engaged, driving sober, and slowing down so everyone can make it home safely.”