Idaho State Police Boosting SH-55 Patrols for Memorial Day Weekend
McCALL, Idaho — The Idaho State Police is deploying additional troopers along State Highway 55 this Memorial Day weekend, coordinating with local law enforcement agencies on a high-visibility traffic enforcement effort aimed at reducing dangerous driving on one of the state’s most traveled summer routes.
The operation runs from Friday through the holiday weekend, covering the corridor between the Avimor area and New Meadows — a stretch that sees sharply rising traffic volumes as warmer weather draws Idahoans toward mountain destinations.
What Troopers Are Watching For
Officers will be targeting behaviors that consistently contribute to serious crashes along SH-55, including speeding, aggressive and distracted driving, and unsafe passing. McCall Resident Trooper Chase McPherson noted the seasonal surge in traffic demands extra caution from everyone on the road.
“Summer traffic on SH-55 starts to increase dramatically this time of year,” McPherson said. “Slowing down, staying patient, and driving responsibly can save lives.”
The Memorial Day weekend also marks the start of what safety officials call the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — a period stretching to Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers rise significantly across the country.
ISP is urging drivers to be especially alert to motorcycles, which are harder to spot and more vulnerable in collisions. Motorists should also give extra room to RVs and trailers, which require longer stopping distances. Several active work zones along the corridor will require reduced speeds and may cause delays.
Planning Ahead for a Safer Trip
Travelers heading into the more remote stretches of SH-55 are advised to prepare for areas with limited or no cell coverage. ISP recommends notifying someone of your travel route and timeline, and carrying emergency supplies before venturing into areas where roadside assistance may be slow to arrive.
To avoid the worst congestion, ISP suggests traveling during off-peak hours when possible. With heat and heavy traffic combining to create frustration behind the wheel, officials are also reminding drivers to keep their composure and avoid road rage situations.
For more information on summer travel safety in Idaho, including wildlife awareness for drivers heading into backcountry areas, see the summer bear awareness guide for tips on staying alert to hazards beyond the road itself. Travelers near the Priest River corridor should also note recent public safety activity — a residential evacuation order in Priest River was issued earlier this week following reports of multiple explosions in a neighborhood.
What Comes Next
The increased patrol presence along SH-55 continues through the Memorial Day holiday. ISP has not announced a specific end date for the enhanced enforcement effort beyond the weekend, but the agency typically maintains elevated patrol activity along major corridors throughout the summer travel season. Drivers can expect continued scrutiny of high-risk behaviors as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer get underway across Idaho.