Idaho aims for '100 Safest Days' of summer

As Idaho heads into the summer months, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety reminds drivers to be proactive about their safety during the time of year with the highest number of fatal and serious injury crashes.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is traditionally known as the 100 Deadliest Days because it has the highest volume of crashes. OHS is joining national partners to shift the narrative from the most dangerous time on the roads to the “100 Safest Days of Summer” to remind drivers to be more vigilant, according to a press release.

Idaho fatalities during the summer months 2021-2025:

• 2021 — Memorial Day to Labor Day: 100

• 2022 — Memorial Day to Labor Day: 81

• 2023 — Memorial Day to Labor Day: 93

• 2024 — Memorial Day to Labor Day: 82

• 2025 — Memorial Day to Labor Day: 87

Since 2021, Idaho has seen a reduction in crashes during the summer months. Five Idaho counties — Camas, Franklin, Gem, Teton and Lewis had zero traffic fatalities during 2025. 

“Everyone wants zero fatalities for their family, and that is only possible when Idahoans make safe choices behind the wheel,” said Josephine Middleton, Office of Highway Safety manager. “We want drivers and passengers to be proactive about their safety as we head into the summer season.”

Idaho also saw strong improvements in safety for people walking, biking and rolling. After an unusually high year in 2023, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities fell by more than half, the release said.

Still, officials emphasize that seat belt use and speeding remain critical areas for improvement. People not buckling their seat belts made up 47% of all people killed in passenger vehicles in 2024. Aggressive driving and speeding continue to contribute to nearly half of all crashes.

“As families and teens spend more time on the road, the safest choice is still the simplest one: buckle up, slow down and stay focused,” Middleton said. “Together, we can make this Idaho’s safest summer yet.”