Safety Tips for Spring and Summer in Eastern Idaho

By Beau Davis

REXBURG, Idaho—Spring has finally sprung here in eastern Idaho. The snow isn’t completely gone yet of course, and we may still be in for one or two slushy snow falls, but the thermometer has officially begun to flirt with 50° F this week.

With this in mind, we thought it would be prudent to recognize some realities we may face in the coming months as spring rapidly approaches summer, the rivers start to swell with runoff, and the height of tourist season begins.

Defensive Driving

https://www.gototrafficschool.com/register/Rexburg-Idaho-City-Online-Traffic-School.aspx

We are fast approaching the time of year where severe thunderstorms, higher numbers of drivers on the roads, and restless animals from winter start migrating around. All these conditions put together leave us with at least the potential of dangerous driving situations. Last year there were several collisions with animals (especially on highway 20 in the Island Park area), and too many other accidents in general during the height of tourist season. Because of this, it is important to be as prepared as possible and know that you’re only as safe driving as the worst-maintained vehicle or worst driver on the road may allow you to be.

One thing you can do to help prepare for this year’s busy driving season is to take a defensive driving class through the city of Rexburg (or any other local municipality that has these courses) for a good refresher on driving defensively and intently. As a bonus, these classes typically deduct three points from driving records, and some can be completed online. Beyond taking a class, however, there are a few things you can keep in mind as you drive this summer season.

1. Try to stay as up to date as possible on maintaining your vehicle. Catastrophic mechanical failures while on the road (or slipping on wet roads with low tread on your tires) are typically unlikely, but they can and will happen on vehicles with irregular maintenance. Be sure to bring your vehicle in to a reliable automotive shop or repair center regularly this summer season, have a knowledgeable mechanic inspect your vehicle, and try to be aware of the condition of your vehicle’s tires, fluids, check engine lights, and brakes.
2. Many state driving manuals will essentially tell you the same thing, but it is worthy of restating: try to anticipate all of your surroundings and variables while driving (this includes driving distraction-free like with phones, food, or children). For example, keep an eye out for long vehicles like semi-trucks weaving in and out lanes with high winds as that kind of situation can change in a heartbeat. Additionally, try to memorize (or look on google earth/maps) where lanes end and switch into two-way traffic to avoid those scary last-minute lane changes. Finally, this time of year is when our local wildlife begins moving around more. Peak times for animal movements are early in the morning and dusk—though animals like deer, bears, moose, and others are liable to be around at all times of the day. To avoid them, look for anything that looks like glowing eyes in the headlights, be especially cautious of tree cover bordering roads, and never drive faster than the conditions allow. Practicing all of these things may very well save you or another person’s life.

River and Waterway Safety

As fun as recreating in our local waterways can be, they can also be dangerous. Over the past several years there have been multiple fatal accidents associated with river and lake recreation. In an effort to avoid having these same incidents happen again, here are some general tips and guidelines to recreate safely this upcoming summer season.

1. Spring runoff can be dangerous. Recreating for any reason in any waterway during runoff season (especially below dams where the water levels can change drastically very rapidly) can be extremely hazardous. This includes things like walking in rivers too fast and potentially tripping, jumping from heights into a river, or using a watercraft that is either not suitable for the conditions or piloting one with a lack of experience for the conditions as well. The main danger of these activities is being swept away with the river into an obstruction or falling and injuring yourself on a rock, leaving you unable to right yourself. Where applicable, please wear a personal floatation device (even if it feels lame at the time).
2. Our area lakes can be unpredictable. Some of the above-mentioned tips for rivers should apply for area lakes and reservoirs as well—especially personal floatation devices. However, some things to consider in regards to lakes themselves would be that they can be extremely unpredictable. Sudden storms can and do happen in the area—and with them can come high winds, rain, or hail. Be as vigilant as possible for storms when recreating on lakes and reservoirs this season; and don’t rely on nonmotorized watercraft such as a drift boat or float tube in high winds (or at least attempt to stay close to shore in event of a sudden storm). The last thing you want is to be blown away and possibly capsize well away from help.

As with every year, the great thaw is also the beginning of another amazing summer season here in eastern Idaho. It will certainly be fun and productive, but it can also be dangerous. Stay vigilant and stay safe this season.