POCATELLO — The Idaho Transportation Department is warning drivers to be safe this Memorial Day weekend as it will mark the beginning of the 100 Deadliest Days campaign.

According to a news release from ITD, the 100 Deadliest Days begins on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day. It is a period when there is a spike in accidents, deaths and injuries on the road.

There have been 70 people in Idaho who have been killed in car crashes this year so far. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety warns drivers to be vigilant while traveling this summer.

"We call this period the 100 Deadliest Days, but it would be great to be proven wrong," said Idaho Office of Highway Safety Program Manager Josephine Middleton. "Make it safer out there for yourself and others by slowing down, putting down distractions, buckling up and planning a sober ride home."

According to the news release, the summer months are a dangerous time for driving as they are the time when students are out of school and more people are traveling for vacations.

The increase in travel leads drivers to be more susceptible to impaired driving, distracted driving and speeding.

The Idaho Office of Highway Safety plans to work with its partners across the state to help drivers make safer choices while on the road. According to the news release, it will partner with law enforcement to hold public awareness campaigns and community events.

Middleton said in the news release that Idaho Office of Highway Safety has a lot of partners who are great at helping them make the roads a safer place for Idaho drivers, but she said they also need help from everyone else.

"We can all do a better job of looking out for each other on our roads and make it safely through this summer," she said.

According to another news release from ITD, around 92 people were killed during the 100 Deadliest Days of last year. These deaths included 34 who were not wearing a seat belt, eleven who were speeding and ten alcohol-related accidents.

Middleton said in the news release that this is a solemn reminder of why people need to be cautious and make sure they are not distracted while driving in these conditions.

"Thinking about the gravity of the loss is heartbreaking," said Middleton in the news release. "92 people are gone too soon, and families and communities across Idaho are mourning their loved ones.

The 100 Deadliest Days can be particularly dangerous for teenage drivers, according to a news release from Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD.

SADD is calling for teens, parents and law enforcement to raise awareness about the danger this period has to young people and to take action to protect teenage drivers.

According to the news release, between 2017 and 2021, there were 167 accidents involving people between the ages of 15 and 20. This accounted for about 15 percent of all crashes in Idaho.

Many accidents involving young people are due to distracted driving or impaired driving. It is also caused by a lack of driving experience in young drivers.

Stacey Waddell, Idaho SADD State Coordinator, said in the news release that young people should always make sure they buckle up, drive sober and keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

"We tell teens every day that their actions impact all roadway users, but that message is true for every driver, passenger and pedestrian," she said.

According to the news release, Idaho has the highest underage DUI rage in the country. SADD warned drivers young and old alike that driving is one of the most dangerous things people do regularly.

SADD encouraged teenagers to take the lead in raising awareness about the dangers of driving.