Two Driving Habits Caused One-Third of Idaho’s 27,000+ Car Accidents in 2023
Two common driving behaviors combined to cause nearly one-third of all vehicle crashes on Idaho roads in 2023, according to a recent analysis of state crash data. Distracted driving and failure to yield right of way each accounted for 15% of accidents, together responsible for 30% of the 27,679 crashes reported statewide last year.
A recent analysis by Monteleone Law Offices examined these concerning statistics, highlighting that a crash occurs every 19 minutes on Idaho roads. The findings underscore the urgent need to address these preventable behaviors that continue to threaten roadway safety in Idaho.
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety reports that distracted driving remains one of the most significant threats to roadway safety. At highway speeds, a mere three-second glance at a phone—the average time to check a text message—means traveling the length of a football field essentially blindfolded.
Beyond cell phone use, the Office of Highway Safety identifies several common distractions that lead to crashes:
– Engaged conversations with passengers
– Eating or drinking while driving
– Adjusting vehicle controls
– Personal grooming
– Looking at roadside scenes
The state’s SHIFT Idaho initiative, focused on promoting safer driving behaviors, emphasizes that these seemingly minor distractions can have devastating consequences. The program works to educate drivers about the importance of staying focused behind the wheel through their “engaged driving” campaign.
Failure to yield violations (the other leading cause of car accidents in Idaho) typically occur at intersections, during merges, and at stop signs. These incidents often result in severe collisions, particularly when split-second decisions lead to devastating consequences.
The comprehensive crash analysis also revealed other significant factors contributing to Idaho accidents:
– Following too close: 13%
– Speed: 10%
– Failure to maintain lane: 7%
While distraction and failure to yield lead the statistics for total crashes, impaired driving remains a critical concern, causing 22% of fatal accidents despite accounting for a smaller percentage of total collisions. Wildlife encounters present another unique challenge, responsible for 18% of single-vehicle crashes, particularly during dawn and dusk hours.
Top Seven Most Prevalent Contributing Circumstances Cited for Traffic Crashes in 2023, Source: Idaho Transportation Department
AT&T’s “It Can Wait” campaign, which has documented the impact of distracted driving nationwide, notes that while 95% of drivers disapprove of distracted driving, nearly 75% admit to engaging in it. The campaign’s research underscores the disconnect between awareness and behavior that Idaho’s statistics reflect.
The Idaho Transportation Department continues to monitor these trends through their annual crash analysis reports, using the data to inform public safety campaigns and enforcement strategies.
For drivers looking to reduce their risk on Idaho roads, safety experts recommend:
– Enabling Do Not Disturb features before starting any journey
– Completing all vehicle adjustments before putting the car in drive
– Letting passengers handle navigation and communication
– Staying especially alert on familiar routes, where minds tend to drift
The statistics make it clear: no distraction is worth the risk of becoming part of next year’s crash data. As Idaho continues to address these safety concerns, the focus remains on encouraging drivers to stay engaged and alert behind the wheel.
