16 deadly crashes reported in Idaho since start of ’100 Deadliest Days’

JEROME, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho State Police reported 16 deadly crashes on state roadways since Memorial Day, marking the start of the “100 Deadliest Days” of summer driving.

Two of those fatal crashes occurred in District 4, which covers the Magic Valley.

“In the summer months, there are a lot more people spending time outside, and the rate of traffic fatalities unfortunately goes up a lot during this time of year,” said Brian Johnson, a Jerome resident.

Lt. Tyler Barrett of Idaho State Police said the district has also seen multiple injury accidents.

“Going to a home and telling a loved one that they had someone in their family pass away from a crash is by far one of the worst experiences a trooper can have,” Barrett said.

Construction zone crashes

Barrett said a serious crash occurred last week in the Burley construction zone, and several crashes followed as a result of traffic slowing down.

He said most crashes result from inattentive driving.

“A lot of times you will be at a stoplight, someone is in front of you, the light turns green, and they are still sitting there,” said Fred Matthews, who was driving through Idaho from California.

“People need to make sure they are paying attention and doing what they are supposed to do,” Johnson said.

Cell phone enforcement

Barrett said troopers are focusing on cell phone violations during the summer months.

“We are getting as many troopers as we can into these high-traffic areas on the interstate, and we are looking for those cell phone violations. We are looking for people with their phone in their hand and their eyes down,” Barrett said.

He said the violations happen frequently in the area.

“You can go out here in this work zone and sit there for 30 seconds, and you will have someone drive by with their phone, and their eyes down on the phone. It is just as bad as drunk driving,” Barrett said.

Idaho State Police said drivers can expect increased enforcement of the state’s hands-free driving laws throughout the summer.

“My phone does stay in a cradle that I can see but I am not answering text messages or communicating with people,” Matthews said.

“Well, I always keep my phone put away, it stays in my pocket while I am driving,” Johnson said.

“Hopefully that will get the behavior to change,” Barrett said.