Idaho Transportation Department releases crash report from 2026 “100 Deadliest Days”

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - As Idaho's summer travel season comes to an end, new data from the Idaho Transportation Department shows a decrease in fatal crashes during this year's "100 Deadliest Days" period — but thousands of crashes were still reported across the state.

An ITD crash summary from District 6 Public Information Officer Sky Buffat, covering the period from May 25 to September 7, 2026, reports a total of 7,411 crashes statewide, including 59 that were fatal.

That's a decrease from last year's 87 fatal crashes, according to Buffat.

While fatal crashes declined, the overall number of crashes highlights the continued safety challenges Idaho drivers face during the busy summer travel season.

Top Contributors for 2026 Crashes

According to the ITD data, the most frequently documented contributing circumstance was failure to yield, involved in 1,270 crashes, or about 17% of the total.

Other leading contributing circumstances included:

• Following too close: 1,070 crashes — 14.44%
• Inattention: 696 crashes — 9.39%
• Animals in the roadway: 622 crashes — 8.39%
• Failure to maintain lane: 385 crashes — 5.19%
• Improper lane change: 385 crashes — 5.19%
• Alcohol impairment: 275 crashes — 3.71%
• Improper turn: 270 crashes — 3.64%

The report also shows 1,243 crashes classified as distracted-driver-related, accounting for 16.77% of all crashes during the reporting period.

Buffat said the data reinforces the importance of drivers staying focused behind the wheel.

"Some of the highest contributors to accidents over this particular summer have been failure to yield, failure to stay in your lane," Buffat said. "The fact that inattentive driving, distracted driving is such a high percentage of these severe crashes just tells us all that we can be better at putting our phones down, focusing on the road, slowing down."

Most crashes happened during June, July and August

The ITD report shows June had the highest number of crashes during the summer reporting period, with 2,388 crashes, followed closely by July with 2,346 and August with 2,069.

Month	Crashes
May	542
June	2,388
July	2,346
August	2,069
September	66

The report's data begins May 25 and ends Sept. 7, corresponding with the period surrounding Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Of the 7,411 crashes documented, 1,323 were classified as intersection-related, representing 17.85% of all crashes. Another 1,243 were classified as distracted-driver related.

Other notable crash categories included:

• Fixed-object related: 704
• Commercial motor vehicle related: 528
• Wild-animal related: 387
• Impaired-driver related: 378
• Work-zone related: 330
• Alcohol related: 279
• Motorcycle related: 128
• Bicycle related: 80
• Pedestrian related: 59

The report shows 4,881 crashes resulted in property damage only, while 1,100 involved a possible injury or complaint, 1,038 involved a suspected minor or visible injury, and 333 involved a suspected serious

ITD urges drivers to prepare for winter

As summer driving season winds down, ITD says the focus is shifting toward winter driving safety.

Buffat said drivers should take the opportunity to refresh their knowledge of safe driving practices, particularly as Idaho continues to grow and more people become familiar with the state's roads.

"Whatever level of familiarity you have, though, those courses can be a great reminder of the different things that are good to know," Buffat said.

ITD recommends drivers slow down, increase following distance and remain aware of changing road conditions as temperatures drop.

Drivers should also remember that bridges and overpasses can freeze before other roadways and remain icy longer. ITD advises against using cruise control on ice or snow and recommends avoiding sudden movements or heavy braking if a vehicle begins to slide.

Drivers should also give snowplows plenty of room and avoid passing them too closely. ITD says the safest place to travel is behind the plow.

Drivers can check Idaho 511 for current road conditions, travel information, and upcoming driver's courses.