Three eastern Idaho counties had zero fatal crashes in 2013

Two-hundred-thirteen people died on Idaho’s highways last year, but in five counties there were no deadly accidents. Three of those counties are in eastern Idaho.

Law enforcement from Madison, Teton and Butte counties were honored for having zero fatal crashes in 2013 at an Idaho Transportation Department board meeting in Island Park Thursday.

“We have crashes every year that result in a death or an injury, so it’s really an achievement to get through a year without having that,” said Rexburg police Chief Shane Turman.

Teton County also survived 2013 with no fatal crashes.

Sheriff Tony Liford said this is in part thanks to his department’s frequent traffic patrols.

“We do radar enforcement. We listen to complaints from the community when it comes to people speeding through their neighborhood,” said Liford.

But authorities are quick to admit law enforcement can take only some of the credit.

“The biggest portion is every single driver taking responsibility for their actions,” said Lt. Col. Kedrick Wills, deputy director of the Idaho State Police. “Driver safety begins with every single driver.”

It’s a trend some say is too good to end.

“We hope it continues,” said Turman.

Liford said Teton County is already on track for zero fatal crashes this year.

“We want to keep it that way,” Liford said.

ITD said 2003 had the highest number of statewide fatal crashes — 293.

The lowest number of fatal crashes was 167 in 2011.