“100 Safest Days” could be the new trend as Memorial Day approaches

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is traditionally known as the "100 Deadliest Days" because Idaho's highways see their highest number of crashes.

In an effort to remind drivers to be more vigilant, the state's Office of Highway Safety is joining national partners to shift the narrative from the "100 Deadliest Days" to the “100 Safest Days of Summer," and the year-to-year numbers being used look positive.

Idaho fatalities during the summer months 2021-2025:

• 2021 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 100
• 2022 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 81
• 2023 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 93
• 2024 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 82
• 2025 – Memorial Day to Labor Day: 87

Since 2021, Idaho has seen a reduction in crashes during the summer months. Five Idaho counties -- Camas, Franklin, Gem, Teton, and Lewis -- had zero traffic fatalities during 2025. 

“Everyone wants zero fatalities for their family, and that is only possible when Idahoans make safe choices behind the wheel,” said Josephine Middleton, Office of Highway Safety Manager. “We want drivers and passengers to be proactive about their safety as we head into the summer season.”

Idaho also saw strong improvements in safety for people walking, biking, and rolling. After an unusually high year in 2023, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities fell by more than half.

Still, officials emphasize that seat belt use and speeding remain critical areas for improvement. People not buckling their seat belts made up 47% of all people killed in passenger vehicles in 2024. Aggressive driving and speeding continue to contribute to nearly half of all crashes.

“As families and teens spend more time on the road, the safest choice is still the simplest one: buckle up, slow down, and stay focused,” Middleton said. “Together, we can make this Idaho’s safest summer yet.”

For more information on Idaho crash trends and safe-driving resources, visit shift-idaho.org