TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – One-hundred and sixty-five lives have been lost on Idaho roads this year. Eighty-two of the fatalities occurred just this summer, according to Idaho State Police, giving somber meaning to the phrase the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.”

Traditionally, Labor Day weekend is a time when more drivers are on the road, thus increasing the potential for further accidents.

The purpose of this joint operation is to have a large law enforcement presence on I-84, with the ultimate goal of increasing traffic safety and reducing crashes.

State and local law enforcement agencies are teaming with each other, however, as well as with highway patrols in Utah and Oregon, in an effort prevent crashes on roads and highways this weekend.

"The purpose of this joint operation is to have a large law enforcement presence on I-84, with the ultimate goal of increasing traffic safety and reducing crashes," ISP Sgt. Tyler Jussel, who organized the emphasis patrol, said in a prepared statement.

Special emphasis of the campaign will be placed on impaired driving. The Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety is providing grant funds to allow for the extra patrols.

"Law enforcement will be focusing on the areas of traffic safety which are the causes of most of the fatalities we have seen this year,” Jussel said. “Speed, distracted driving, aggressive driving, impaired driving, failure to buckle up and not using child safety seats are all dangerous driving behaviors and will all catch the attention of troopers, officers and deputies.”

ISP encourages the public to be part of the campaign by reporting suspected impaired or distracted drivers by calling 911 or the Idaho State Police at *477.

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