The period between the start of Memorial Day weekend and the end of Labor Day weekend is coined as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer due to the increase in deadly crashes.
This year, there were 82 fatal crashes in Idaho from Memorial Day through July.
Sergeant Bryan Lovell from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office says it’s because of the rise in recreational activities and tourists, which increases road traffic.
“We [the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office] are involved in…an impaired driving mobilization," Lovell says. "[We] try to get impaired drivers off the road before they are involved in a crash.”
Driving impaired doesn’t just involve alcohol and illegal drugs either. You can be impaired even by properly using prescriptions. Some medicationswarn drivers to not drive, that includes motorcycles and boats.
“If you feel like that is affecting your abilities you shouldn’t chance it,” Lovell said.
You can keep Idaho roads safe by not driving impaired. You can also stop drivers who seem to be impaired by calling 911 or your local police.
Lovell reminds people that, as always, they should be wearing seat belts.
“I can tell you that in my experience over the years as a sheriff’s office deputy, I’ve seen more people walk away with scratches from crashes that,10--15 years ago they were being taken away in an ambulance,” he said.
Be safe by buckling up and driving alert.