Idaho Law Blog
Injury Crash Blocks State Highway 77 North of Declo
A two-vehicle injury crash occurring on February 17, 2017 at approximately 10:07 a.m. blocked the northbound lane of State Highway 77 for nearly an hour near Declo. ISP reports that Juan Palomo, Jr. of Evanston, Wyoming was driving eastbound on I-84 at the milepost 216 off-ramp. Palomo’s vehicle crossed State Highway 77 and pulled in front of a vehicle on I-84 being driven by Lloyd Thornton of Declo. Thornton struck Palomo’s vehicle and came to rest in the northbound lane of State Highway 77. Both injured drivers were wearing seat belts. Personal vehicles transported the injured motorists to local hospitals.
ISP continues to investigate the crash and has not yet provided an update as to the type of injuries sustained by the belted drivers. Emergency crews blocked the northbound lane of Highway 77 as they worked to clear the scene of the accident.
National transportation statistics prove that seat belts save lives and reduce the number of serious injuries in crashes. Idaho Code §49-673 requires everyone in a vehicle to wear safety restraints. In 2015 the Office of Highway Safety for the Idaho Department of Transportation reported that roughly 80% of Idahoans buckled up. 27% of those seriously injured were not wearing their seat belt.
The best defense in a crash is to fasten your seat belt. Insist that all passengers buckle up before you start driving. Additionally, unbelted occupants can be seriously injured and cause injury to others in a crash. Parents and grandparents should set a good example by buckling up every time you drive and be certain that all occupants are properly restrained.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident by a careless driver, call the Racine Olson personal injury team today for a consultation at: 208-232-6101. Our friendly team has the experience and knowledge necessary to assist you with your injury claim.
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