Idaho recorded 90 traffic fatalities during the 2026 100 Deadliest Days, highlighting continued safety challenges tied to impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and other high-risk behaviors. The total represents a slight increase from the 88 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2025, according to preliminary data from the Idaho Office of Highway Safety.
At the same time, Idaho’s overall year-to-date traffic death count remains below last year’s level. The state had recorded 150 roadway fatalities as of Sept. 11, compared with 174 at the same point in 2025.
Preliminary data identifies failure to wear a seat belt, failure to maintain a lane, alcohol impairment, drug impairment, inattention, crossing the centerline, speeding and failure to obey traffic signals or signs among the leading contributing circumstances in fatal crashes.
The data underscores the importance of driver behavior alongside roadway design and enforcement. Idaho officials continue to emphasize seat belt use, sober driving, maintaining attention and reducing speed as basic measures that can help prevent fatal and serious-injury crashes.
Fatalities were recorded across 28 Idaho counties during the 100 Deadliest Days. Ada County recorded the highest preliminary total at 13, followed by Bonneville County with 10, Bonner County with eight and Canyon County with seven.
The Idaho Office of Highway Safety continues statewide SHIFT Idaho campaigns focused on high-risk driving behaviors. The agency is also working with local law enforcement on enforcement involving impaired driving, aggressive driving and seat belt use.
Safety efforts also include community outreach and infrastructure improvements intended to reduce crash severity and modernize roadways. Recent Idaho Transportation Department activity includes bridge rehabilitation, roadway safety audits and other highway improvements designed to address infrastructure-related risks.
The 2026 figures show that roadway safety remains a significant transportation infrastructure issue even as overall fatalities decline year over year. For transportation agencies, contractors and public-sector owners, continued investment in roadway improvements, work-zone safety, enforcement coordination and driver-awareness programs can support efforts to reduce serious crashes.
The preliminary data also provides agencies with information for targeting future safety programs toward behaviors and locations associated with the greatest crash risks.
Source: ITD.
