Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – While Memorial Day weekend may be over, Idaho’s summer travel season is only beginning — and so are concerns over rising gas prices and deadly crashes on the road. The holiday weekend marked the start of both an increase in gas prices and Idaho’s “100 Deadliest Days”—the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the number of fatal crashes statewide significantly rises.
Drivers in Idaho Falls are continuing to crowd local gas stations this week as summer travel ramps up. In Idaho Falls, the cheapest spot to find low gas prices is the Costco Gas station, with unleaded gasoline at $4.39 per gallon.
Over the holiday weekend, Triple AAA reported that the state average gas price settled at $4.55 – nearly a quarter more than a month ago. This extra cost due to gas prices puts a dent in the usual summer-season festivities and extended travel plans for many residents.
“Obviously, there’s never a great time for skyrocketing gas prices, but the pain is significant with so much of our summer travel season still ahead,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “For now, we believe that people will trim the budget in other ways and still hit the road or catch their flight.
But while more Idahoans are hitting the road for vacations and summer activities, law enforcement agencies say this time of year also brings a dangerous trend.
Idaho State Police says the state is now entering the “100 Deadliest Days” — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes historically increase across Idaho.
Officials at Triple AAA and across law enforcement say distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and failure to wear seatbelts continue to be major factors in deadly crashes during the summer months.
As a result, agencies across the state are increasing patrols and seatbelt enforcement efforts throughout the summer travel season. In fact, over the holiday weekend, the Southeast Idaho Traffic Safety Task Force reported issuing 217 seatbelt citations and warnings in a single day through patrol efforts.
Transportation officials say one of the easiest and most effective ways drivers can protect themselves is to buckle up before every trip.
Sgt. Andrew Nakashima of the Idaho State Police said, “With the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer starting in Idaho, the Idaho State Police reminds everyone that motorcycle and roadway safety is something we all share…Let’s all do our part by being more patient and paying extra attention on the roads. Together, we can help save lives this summer. Put safety first.”
Idaho State Police are reminding drivers this summer: “Click It or Ticket.” Safe and simple procedures like this ensure a summer of great, responsible fun.
