COEUR d’ALENE — Local authorities are hitting the streets and patrolling the waters of Kootenai County to help combat impaired driving during the Memorial Day weekend.

The holiday marks the beginning of the “100 deadliest days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho typically experiences a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. 

Last summer, more than 82 people were killed on Idaho roads, just shy of the 93 lives lost during the same period the year before, the Idaho State Police said. 

The most common contributing factors included failure to maintain a lane, speeding, alcohol or drug impairment, inattention, failure to yield, crossing the centerline, following too closely, overcorrecting and improper turns.

“Every crash has consequences that ripple through our communities,” Lt. Col. Fritz Zweigart said. “These aren’t just numbers — they represent lives forever changed because of poor choices behind the wheel. Driving is a serious responsibility. Your decisions on the road don’t just affect you — they affect everyone around you."

There have been 74 traffic fatalities in Idaho so far this year, according to the Idaho Office of Highway Safety, compared to 57 at this time last year. 

Beginning this weekend and continuing through the summer, the North Idaho DUI Task Force will carry out additional enforcement activities. Marine deputies will also be on the water this weekend. 

“We’re urging everybody to enjoy the good weather responsibly,” said Lt. Jeff Howard of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. “We’ve had an uptick in fatal crashes in North Idaho and all across Idaho and we’re desperately trying to bring those numbers down.” 

In downtown Coeur d’Alene, the nighttime “bar team” will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. 

“We want everyone to enjoy Memorial Day weekend and remember to do things smartly,” said Capt. Dave Hagar with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. 

When drinking, arrange for a designated driver or use a taxi or ride share service to get home. 

Hagar emphasized that drinking and driving doesn’t only destroy the lives of people who are directly involved in a crash. 

“It affects so many lives,” Hagar said. “It’s just not worth taking the chance.”