Distracted and aggressive driving continues to prove deadly on Kootenai County roads.

According to data from the Idaho Transportation Department, 18% of fatal accidents on Kootenai County roads from 2019-2023 were caused by distracted driving, while 15% were the result of aggressive driving.

Data suggest that the bulk of fatal accidents occur along Interstate 90.

Aggressive driving behaviors are defined by ITD as failing to obey traffic laws, speeding or tailgating, among other behaviors.

Aggressive driving is the cause of about half of all crashes in Idaho, according to ITD.

The highest rates of fatal collisions are seen between June and October, which ITD has coined “100 Deadliest Days.” In 2024, there were five fatal crashes in Kootenai County during this period.

Local law enforcement agreed that aggressive driving is one of the biggest issues they see on local roadways.

“Most often, drivers don’t realize they are driving aggressively because they identify aggressive behavior as reckless driving or road rage incidents,” said Lieutenant Jeffrey Howard with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. “Any driving behavior that is likely to endanger other people or property can be considered aggressive driving.”

The offenses most cited by KCSO following crashes include following too closely, failing to yield and speeding too fast for road conditions, Howard said.

“It doesn’t matter how good of a driver you are,” Howard said. “If you drive aggressively, you are likely to encourage others to do the same. That’s how we’ve ended up with a rise in crashes in Kootenai County."

ITD cites population growth as a contributing factor to the increase in crashes seen locally and statewide.

“The exceptional level of growth we’ve experienced over the past few years has contributed greatly to an increase in the sheer number of vehicles utilizing Idaho roadways. With more cars and congestion, comes more propensity for crashes,” said ITD Public Information Officer Heather McDaniel.

Both KCSO and ITD believe individual accountability is key to preventing fatal accidents.

“Every traffic death is a tragedy, and we can do more to prevent them,” said ITD Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton in a post on ITD’s website. “We can always drive engaged, always drive sober, and obey speed limits so that we don’t lose more Idahoans to traffic crashes.”