12/21/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Enhanced police patrols on I-84 in Treasure Valley significantly reduce crashes, increase safety
BOISE - Injury
crashes have been reduced significantly by enhanced Idaho State Police patrols
in the I-84 work zone between the Garrity Boulevard and Meridian Road
interchanges since August of last year (when the program started).
Injury crashes dropped from 45 to 25 during the first year of
the enhanced patrols from Garrity to Meridian on I-84.
Hoping to duplicate that success, similar enhanced patrols
began July 1 from the Cole/Overland Road Interchange to east of Boise in
the active work zone.
ISP, through an agreement with the Idaho Transportation
Department, will carry out the enhanced patrols through June 2011. The patrols
will be focused in the Cole/Overland-to-Broadway stretch.
"ITD and our contractors truly appreciate the extra
attention to safety in work zones," said ITD's Dave Jones, district 3
engineer. "Although we've separated the workers from traffic via concrete
rail in most cases, there are still workers and equipment operating in close
proximity to high-speed interstate traffic. We urge motorists to follow the
posted speed limits, pay attention to the signs, and check 511 periodically for
updates to road closures/traffic impacts. Accident rates are down in large part
to the efforts of ISP. Through partnerships like this, I can make sure our
workers safely get home to their families each night."
As of Nov. 30, Idaho State Police officers had issued
nearly 5,100 citations (with another nearly 4,100 warnings) during the I-84
enhanced patrols from Garrity to Meridian, and officers helped motorists or
assisted other agencies more than 1,000 times.
The reduction in crashes can be attributed to a
variety of factors, such as lower speed limits (reducing the frequency and
especially the severity of crashes) and greater patrol visibility and
enforcement, explained Capt. Steve Richardson, commander of ISP's Region
3, covering the ten southwestern counties.
Non-use of seat belts (550) and child restraints (40) accounted for nearly 600
citations. More than 2,500 citations were issued for speeding. In addition, 165 arrest were made for driving under the influence,
and 221 suspended drivers were removed from the road. Overall, officers logged
5,730 hours and nearly 77,000 miles of enhanced patrols in the corridor.
The enhanced patrols are provided through a partnership with ITD's GARVEE
Program Office. ITD is using GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonds
to expedite many local I-84 projects, as well as other projects throughout the
state.
"The partnership between ITD 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.
There also is a residual safety effect from the patrols and road improvements.
Richardson said that in late 2005, similar awareness/safety enhancement patrols
were in place on I-84 near Garrity for the eastbound on-ramp project, and four
years later, that area still boasts a much better safety record than it did
prior to the patrols and road improvements.
Media Advisory: If media
representatives would like to schedule patrol ride-alongs in relation to this
release, please contact Lt. Brian Zimmerman or Capt. Steve Richardson at 208
884-7360.