Between March and August of 2023, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit has investigated nine fatal collisions. Between 2019 and 2022, the KCSO Traffic unit investigated eight fatal collisions. This equates to a 450% increase over the previous four year average.
Hayden Avenue has specifically seen an increase in collisions in 2023. So far this year, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 87 collisions on Hayden Avenue alone. The KCSO Traffic Unit has investigated two fatal collisions associated with Hayden Avenue, and investigated several injury collisions. The increase is likely caused by construction on other main roadways, causing drivers to alter their routes.
The KCSO Traffic Unit has recognized the issues on Kootenai County roads, specifically Hayden Avenue, and established an emphasis to curb aggressive driving and reduce collisions. Between 8/21/23 and 8/25/23, deputies worked to keep drivers safe by providing extra patrols along Hayden Avenue. During that five day period, they made over 400 traffic stops, and issued 294 speeding and 57 stop sign citations. Of those speeding citations, 22 of them were excessive speeds, meaning the driver was traveling in excess of at least 15 mph over the speed limit.
Kootenai County has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years, causing an increase in traffic congestion. Coupling this increase with construction detours is enough to cause any driver to be frustrated. However, allowing that frustration to equate to impatient or aggressive driving has the potential to cause harm that ripples throughout the community.
The KCSO Traffic Unit is dedicated to creating safe roads in Kootenai County. We ask that every driver be aware of their own actions, and show patience while road improvements are occurring.
For more information on aggressive driving, visit https://shift-idaho.org/aggressive-driving.
Sheriff Robert B. Norris
By: Sgt. Jeff Howard
Contact: Lt. Zachary Sifford
Office: 208-446-2245
PIO Cell: 208-758-1045
sopio@kcgov.us