Gov. Little declares Idaho Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
(BOISE, ID) – BOISE, Idaho (Nov 17, 2024) – Governor Brad Little declared Nov 17, 2024 to be Idaho Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. A memorial candlelight vigil was held at the intersection of 16th St. and Washington St. in Boise, the site of one fatal accident of a Boise High School student last year.
Jimmy Hallyburton, a member of the Boise City Council, acknowledged the sentiment of the candlelight vigil while addressing attendees. “The first thing to acknowledge is the feeling of loss that so many of us feel, some more personally than others. Many of us have lost family members, close friends, people in this community to traffic violence. I wish I could say that that loss goes away, but I don’t know that it does.”
According to the Idaho Transportation Department’s 2023 Traffic Crash Clock, a traffic crash occurred every 19 minutes in Idaho. This is a year-over-year increase across the board, including nearly double the number of pedestrians and bicyclists killed in collisions.
“The beliefs and ideas around how we move people [are] unsafe.” said Alexis Pickering, President of the Ada County Highway District Commission. “We are, unfortunately, living with decades of decision making that doesn’t put people first, and we are seeing the reality of that. We have a lot of work to do to undo that old way of thinking, and we’re making progress.”
Idaho Smart Growth, a nonprofit organization working to improve safety on Idaho roadways among other efforts, worked to achieve this recognition from Governor Little for the first time . The organization has offered startup and administrative support for Safe Routes to Schools programs throughout Idaho.
“We are committed to the hard work of creating the infrastructure improvements that save lives,” said ISG Program Director Marisa Keith. “We are honored to have the Governor recognize the continued importance of our work as we remember the victims and their families. Today is a reminder of how important it is to work together and protect everyone who uses our roads, it is a time to remember those that have been lost and a recommitment to work towards a future of zero deaths.”
Proclamation text:
WHEREAS, all Idahoans deserve safety on our roads; and
WHEREAS, safe streets for all leads to increased freedom and independence for Idaho residents; and
WHEREAS, safe streets create economic development opportunities and support for local businesses; and
WHEREAS, Idaho’s transportation system provides freedom of movement to pursue educational, recreational, and economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the safe movement of people, goods, and services is fundamental to the Idaho way of life; and
WHEREAS, Idaho is making record investments in safe and modern infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, traffic crashes remain a leading cause of unintentional injury and death in Idaho each year; and
WHEREAS, Idaho supports law enforcement officers, first responders, transportation workers, and safety advocates across the state in making our roads safer by putting away distractions, slowing down, and driving sober; and
WHEREAS, each year crashes harm thousands of Idahoans; and
WHEREAS, Idaho remembers those whose lives have been cut short on our roadways and honors their loved ones.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BRAD LITTLE, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim November 17, 2024, to be
IDAHO DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS
in Idaho, and I encourage Idaho citizens to recognize this special observance.
