2/5/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Increased police patrols in I-84 Treasure Valley corridor reduce injury crashes by two-thirds
BOISE - The number of injury crashes in the I-84 corridor between Nampa and Boise has been reduced by almost two-thirds - from 26 to 9 - thanks to increased work zone patrols over the last six months, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The Idaho State Police (ISP), through an agreement with ITD, has increased patrols in the 12-mile work zone since last August.
From Aug. 15 to Dec. 31, 2008, there were 95 crashes investigated by ISP in the work zone, down from 114 for the same time period in 2007. This despite the considerable number of crashes that occurred during the relatively severe winter weather conditions in the Treasure Valley during the second half of December 2008, a month with more than 20 inches of snow.
"The reduction in crashes can be attributed to a variety of reasons, such as lower speed limits - reducing the frequency and especially the severity of crashes - and greater patrol visibility and enforcement," Richardson said.
Idaho State Police officers issued 1,594 citations during that time, and an additional 1,311 warnings (verbal or written). DUI arrests in that stretch of highway numbered 57, along with 189 citations for non-use of seat belts, 69 arrests/citations for Driving Without Privileges, and 806 citations for speeding.
Additionally, 109 agency assists and 159 motorist assists were carried out by ISP troopers working this project.
"Virtually none of those specific law enforcement activities would have occurred without the agreement," said Capt. Steve Richardson, Region Commander of ISP's Region 3 (covering the ten southwestern counties). "Traffic/public safety has been considerably enhanced through this excellent partnership between ITD, ISP and Connecting Idaho Partners."
The enhanced patrols are provided through a subsidy from ITD's GARVEE Program Office. ITD is using GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonds to expedite many local I-84 projects.
"The partnership between ITD, Connecting Idaho Partners and ISP is a critical factor in providing enhanced public safety for those using I-84 while the necessary highway construction is carried out. When we can have a greater patrol presence in conjunction with additional signing, reduced speed limits and other safety measures used in the work zone, construction workers and motorists have a much safer environment in which to conduct their work and travel," Richardson said.
Richardson added that in late 2005, a similar awareness/safety enhancement patrol was in place on I-84 near Garrity for the eastbound on-ramp project, and more than three years later, it still boasts a much better safety record than it did prior to the patrols.
MEDIA ADVISORY - For more information or to supplement your story on these efforts, patrol ride-along opportunities are available through Idaho State Police's regional office in Meridian. Please contact ISP Captain Richardson or Lt. Brian Zimmerman at 884-7360 for more information or to schedule times.