ITD launches effort to combat wrong-way drivers on Idaho highways

UPDATE: Wed April 9 4:16PM -

 REXBURG, Idaho - (KIFI) Several cases of drivers going the wrong way at the Thornton interchange off US-20 have caused the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to look for solutions.

ITD has been looking into public feedback and are addressing the signage at the exit.

"One thing we do is pay attention to the details of what might need to happen, said Sky Buffat Public information officer for ITD. "The specific angle of the sign, some different interchange we have found that the sign needs to be angled differently because it is confusing or potentially misleading. So we will get in the details of every single spot that we have to put signs up. This one is is a fairly standard scenario that, you know, so long as you are dealing with a sober nondestructive driver, it is effective communication."

While IDT does not have an exact number of recent wrong-way driver they are aware of at least 4 cases of wrong-way driving at the exit since last march.

They have no reports of any accidents at this time, but they want to put a stop to it before it gets out of hand. ITD is teaming up with local law enforcement, asking them to keep an eye on drivers at the exit. 

 "Any time a wrong-way driver enters the highway and it's called in, it is a high priority," said Chief Joshua Rhodes with the Rexburg Police Department. "So our officers will respond code. They will respond with lights and sirens to make sure we stop the wrong way driver."

If you are not intoxicated and driving the wrong way, you can still receive a charge for reckless driving. 

ORIGINAL:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is pushing drivers to know which way they are driving. The new initiative comes after several cases of impaired or distracted driving led to DUI arrests.

ITD met with the Idaho State Police and other local law enforcement this morning, April 9th, at 11:00 A.M.

The group met at the Thornton interchange off US-20 to address multiple occurrences of wrong-way driving recently.

This issue has caused a lot of public inquiry.

Local News 8 will look into how that plan to put a stop to this, updating this story throughout the day.