Idaho AAA, ITD urge drivers to watch for motorcycles as summer travel ramps up

BOISE, ID (CBS2) — As Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month comes to a close, Idaho safety officials are urging drivers and riders to stay vigilant as the “100 Deadliest Days” of summer begin — a stretch when roads see more traffic, more inexperienced drivers, more speeding and drunk driving, and more motorcycles.

Idaho State Police Sgt. Andrew Nakashima said troopers have seen an increase in deadly motorcycle crashes.

“We’ve seen a spike in fatality crashes, at least motorcycle crashes,” Nakashima said. “One of the things I’d like to tell people is I really appreciate the value of ‘Look Twice Save a Life’ campaign, but motorcycles need to do their part too.”

Nakashima said everyone has a role in preventing crashes, with drivers staying alert for motorcycles and riders preparing with proper training, awareness and gear.

Sunshine Beer, director of Idaho STAR, emphasized the importance of protective equipment and visibility.

Idaho AAA, the Idaho Transportation Department, and Idaho State Police are all reminding drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road as the summer travel season gets underway. (Dakota Castets-Didier/CBS2)

“Always wear the gear, can’t overstate how important that is for comfort, protection, visibility,” Beer said. “When you’re in traffic, make sure you place yourself where you can be seen. When drivers hit a rider, they don’t intend to, but they often don’t see the rider…”

The Idaho Transportation Department said 2026 has seen a decrease in fatalities so far, potentially tied to high gas prices reducing the number of trips. But the agency warned that could change as summer continues.

Idaho AAA, the Idaho Transportation Department, and Idaho State Police are all reminding drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road as the summer travel season gets underway. (Dakota Castets-Didier/CBS2)

“As of Monday this week, we had 66 lives taken on our roads this year, that is fewer than this time last year,” said Josephine Middleton of ITD. “We do know the price of gas has an impact on the number of trips, therefore that’s probably having a direct impact on the number of crashes.”

Officials said the reminders are simple: drivers should slow down, stay sober, and watch for motorcycles — and everyone should “look twice” to help prevent deadly collisions.

Idaho AAA, the Idaho Transportation Department, and Idaho State Police are all reminding drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road as the summer travel season gets underway. (Dakota Castets-Didier/CBS2)