ITD: First half of 100 deadliest days saw approximately one death per day

We are halfway through the 100 deadliest days of driving, and the preliminary numbers show approximately one death for each day since the Memorial Day weekend.

According to preliminary reports, there have been 56 reported fatalities on Idaho roads since the 2017 Memorial Day weekend began May 26.

The Idaho Department of Transportation reports the top three most common contributing factors in Idaho crashes are aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired driving.

Starting July 21, more than 50 state and local law enforcement agencies will partner with ITD to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Idaho roads.

ITD said officers will conduct additional patrols through August 4 with a focus on aggressive driving, distracted driving and seat belt use.

“Human behavior is the cause of 94 percent of our crashes,” said Josephine Middleton from ITD’s Office of Highway Safety. “We can all do little things like buckling up, putting our phones away or just being a little more patient — together we can make a difference.”

Using your seat belt significantly reduces the odds of being killed or injured in a crash. From 2011-2015, nearly two thirds of the people who died in Idaho crashes were not wearing seat belts.