Transportation Department

BOISE - Most work on Idaho highway improvement projects will be suspended Saturday (July 2) through Monday (July 4) to accommodate holiday traffic, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

More than 40 projects are under way throughout the state. Traffic impacts already in place, such as reduced speed limits, lane width restrictions and detours, may continue during the holiday weekend.

Here are some tips motorists can follow for holiday travel:

• Choose to drive sober. If your holiday celebrations include alcohol, choose a designated driver ahead of time.
• Wear your seat belt every time you travel by car. Idaho law requires everyone in a vehicle to be properly restrained. Buckling up remains the single-best defense against serious injury or death for you and your passengers, if you are involved in a crash, according to the departments Office of Traffic and Highway Safety (OTHS).
• Put children in the right safety seat. A new law requiring children age 6 and younger to be properly secured when riding in motor vehicles takes effect July 1. Violation of the law will result in a $60 fine to the driver. All children 12 and younger, or less than 100 pounds, should ride in the back seat and never in front of an air bag. For information on what safety restraint is right for your child, go to itd.idaho.gov/ohs/ChildSafety or www.NHTSA.dot.gov .
• Allow plenty of time. Being in a hurry often makes drivers take unnecessary risks, according to OTHS. Driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, running a red light, or failing to yield increase the chances of being in a crash.
• Pay attention. Distractions in and out of your vehicle may take your attention away from driving. Accidents can be caused by split-second distractions such as spilled drinks, changing a radio station or answering the cell phone.
• Plan ahead. Weekly construction updates on the state highway and interstate system are available by phone or on the Internet. Consult the Idaho Road Report at 1-888-IDA-ROAD (432-7623) or visit itd.idaho.gov and click on Traveler Services. The report is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays).

Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway work zones. Rear-end collisions account for most work zone crashes. Following too closely, inattentive driving, failing to yield the right of way and improper lane changes also contribute to accidents in work zones.