Joint patrol emphasis planned for State Highway 55 in Boise County

BOISE COUNTY, Idaho – On September 1 and 2, the Idaho State Police (ISP) and the Boise County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) will conduct joint emphasis patrols along State Highway 55 in Boise County, demonstrating a united front in ensuring public safety.

Both agencies have received numerous reports of hazardous driving on SH55 and frequently respond to crashes along the route. The emphasis patrol will focus on identifying and addressing dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and unsafe passing.

BCSO Sheriff Scott Turner said, “Our office regularly hears from citizens who are concerned about unsafe driving on Highway 55. This effort, in partnership with ISP, is about making the roadway safer for everyone who travels it.”

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Idaho. Families and recreationists will head to the mountains, creating heavier traffic volumes and longer delays on SH55. The added congestion often leads to impatience and poor decisions that quickly turn into serious and fatal crashes. Both agencies emphasize the importance of slowing down, planning for increased traffic, and driving defensively to ensure a safe holiday travel experience for everyone.

“Highway 55 is one of the most heavily traveled roads in our area, and where we see too many serious crashes,” ISP District 3 Captain Mike Winans said. “By working together with the Boise County Sheriff’s Office, we will be visible and enforcing the law to remind drivers that safe choices behind the wheel save lives.”

Law enforcement reminds drivers to:

• Obey posted speed limits, as speed is one of the leading causes of crashes on SH55.
• Avoid distractions by keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
• Pass only when it is safe and legal. This means not passing on blind curves, over hills, or in heavy traffic. Risky passing maneuvers are a significant contributor to crashes on SH55.
• Be patient. Traffic will be heavy during the holiday, and a few extra minutes of delay are better than a lifetime of consequences.

Both agencies urge drivers to make safe decisions this Labor Day and to remember that courtesy and caution help ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.

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Posted in District 3 - Western Idaho