BOISE, ID — Fatalities involving impaired drivers dropped by 18% in Idaho last year, but officials say impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death on the state’s roads.
According to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), 86 people were killed in impaired driving crashes in 2024—down from 105 in 2023. Despite the decrease, impaired driving was responsible for 36% of all traffic fatalities statewide.
Of those killed, the vast majority—93%—were either the impaired driver, a passenger with an impaired driver, or an impaired pedestrian.
“Drivers aged 30 and under are involved in impaired driving crashes at a disproportionately high rate,” said Josephine Middleton, ITD’s Highway Safety Manager. “It’s encouraging to see fewer fatalities, but the numbers show the problem is far from solved.”
To address the issue, ITD and law enforcement agencies across the state will launch a statewide impaired driving mobilization from July 1 to July 13. The campaign will feature high-visibility patrols targeting impaired drivers.
In addition to enforcement, ITD is continuing efforts in education and prevention through community outreach, youth programs, and partnerships with law enforcement. The department urges all drivers to plan ahead, use designated drivers, and make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel.
“Impaired driving is preventable,” ITD said in a statement. “If you feel different, you drive different.”
For more information on impaired driving prevention in Idaho, visit shift-idaho.org.
