Idaho is among the safest states for motorists in the United States. The state was ranked 14th of the states with the nation's lowest fatal crashes. With Idaho ranked ninth of the states with the best road infrastructure in the US, road safety has become one of the significant concerns that the state has to address. Distracted driving was among the major causes of car crashes in the state. Additionally, speeding and impaired driving also seem to play a considerable role in the number of fatal accidents that occur along the state’s roads.
The rate of crashes also increases rapidly during the winter due to snow storms and foggy weather that reduce visibility along most streets in the mountains and forested areas.
The rate of crashes also increases rapidly during the winter due to snow storms and foggy weather that reduce visibility along most streets in the mountains and forested areas.
While most of Idaho's roadways have seen several collisions, some are notorious for having many collision fatalities. The following highways are among the riskiest in Idaho:
In case of an accident, drivers should follow these procedures to prevent further injury, loss of life, and property damage:
After a crash, drivers should safely move their vehicle to a low-traffic lane or the side of the road. High-traffic interstate highways increase the likelihood of multi-vehicle collisions due to traffic congestion and high-speed driving.
Drivers should turn on their vehicle's hazard lights, signaling potential danger to approaching drivers. Drivers should consider using roadside flares, cones, or flags to improve visibility, especially during the night or stormy weather. Drivers should, however, position traffic control devices at a safe distance from the crash to allow for adequate reaction time for passing motorists.
Idaho law forbids anyone involved in a traffic collision from leaving. Drivers should stay at the crash site until instructed otherwise.
Individuals should see if anyone was injured in the crash. If anyone is seriously injured, people should not move the patient and instead contact a medical emergency team for assistance.
Drivers must immediately report any crash that causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. Individuals should give an accurate account of the event as they remember it.
Idaho law requires all parties involved in a traffic collision to exchange information. These include names, addresses, insurance information, license numbers, and vehicle registrations. If the driver does not own the vehicle, they should provide the owner's name and address.
Drivers should take photos of the crash if possible. The photos could help determine the accident's cause and the extent of the damage. Photos can also show pre-existing damage to the car and act as evidence in legal proceedings or insurance claims.
To ensure that their rights are not violated, drivers should seek the assistance of an attorney.
If an individual wishes to file an insurance claim for reimbursement, they should contact their insurance carrier.
Drivers should retain vital records in case of legal action. These records consist of police statements, reports, and insurance information.
Impaired DrivingThe state requires drivers aged 21 and older to have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) lower than .08%.
Individuals under 21 must have a BAC lower than .02%.
Commercial drivers must have a BAC lower than .04%.
Seatbelt LawAll drivers and front-seat passengers in a vehicle are legally required to wear seat belts.
Infants and toddlers under six must use a booster or child passenger safety seat.
Children between seven and nine should be in a booster seat or restrained while the car moves.
Hands-Free LawThe State prohibits using handheld devices while a driver operates a vehicle, even when the car is stopped in traffic or at a stop sign or stop light.
Drivers can use hands-free devices to answer calls while operating a vehicle.
Teenage Driving LawsIndividuals seeking a driver's license must be at least 15 years old within the state.
Minor drivers must complete a state-approved course and 30 hours of classroom instruction. Likewise, minor drivers should have 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training with six hours of supervised driving.
The state requires minor drivers to have 50 hours of driving and 10 hours of nighttime driving under the supervision of an adult 21 years or older with a valid driving license.
The supervisor is the only individual allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. All other occupants are required to sit in the back.
Move Over LawIn the State of Idaho, all motorists on any road or highway are legally required to safely move to the adjacent lane when approaching a stationary police car or emergency vehicle with its warning lights actively flashing.
If it is unsafe to move over to another lane, drivers must slow down below the speed limit, maintain a safe distance, and pass the vehicle cautiously.
Lane CampingWithin multi-lane highways in the state, the leftmost lane is designated solely to overtake or pass slower vehicles proceeding in the same direction. Vehicles utilizing this lane are expected to maintain a speed that demonstrably exceeds traffic flow in the rightmost lane.
Vehicle Registration and InsuranceIn the state, the operation of all vehicles requires minimum liability insurance coverage. This financial safeguard protects drivers in the event of an accident deemed their responsibility, mitigating potential liabilities after the accident.
Vehicles without insurance coverage for two consecutive months risk having their registration suspended.
MotorcyclistsRiders under 18 must wear helmets when operating a motorcycle, UTV, or ATV on the road.
Though Idaho has most of the same standard traffic laws as the other states, it also has unique regulations. Here are some of these unusual laws and regulations: