Latest news with #IdahoTransportationDepartment
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Driver who caused fiery crash that killed 6 tourists outside Yellowstone had BAC twice the legal limit: cops
The pick-up truck driver who caused a fiery crash with a tour van near Yellowstone National Park last month — killing himself and six others — had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. Isaih Moreno, 25, had a BAC of 0.20 after his body was pulled from the wreckage, while the Idaho legal limit is 0.08, state police revealed Friday. 'This tragedy should be a wake-up call,' ISP Captain Chris Weadick said in a statement. Isaih Moreno had a blood alcohol content of 0.20 when he caused the deadly crash outside Yellowstone Park. AP 'No one plans to cause a crash or take a life when they get behind the wheel, but choices have consequences. Impaired driving isn't just illegal — it's deadly. If you see someone unfit to drive, speak up. Lives depend on it.' The deadly crash occurred just before 7:15 p.m. on May 21 when Moreno swerved across the center line and collided with the Mercedes van carrying 14 people, investigators said. Both vehicles burst into flames, and six people aboard the tour van were killed. The international victims were identified as Jian Shi, 56, of Shanghai and Xiaoming Jiang, 66, of Guilin, China, and Ivana Wen, 28, of Milan, Italy. Seven people, including Moreno, were killed. AP Two of the deceased travelers were California residents: Li Nie, 64, and Aifeng Wan, 53, both of Arcadia. The van's 30-year-old driver Yu Zhang, of Eastvale, California, was also killed. Moreno, of Humble, Texas, was also killed. The highway where the crash happened is a popular route between Yellowstone and the Grand Teton national parks in the spring, when northern roads are still covered with snow. According to investigators, the tragedy came just before the start of Idaho's 100 Deadliest Days, or the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically rise due to increased summer travel, holidays and impaired driving. Alcohol-related crashes remain one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in Idaho, state police said. 'Idaho's roads are especially busy during the summer,' Idaho Transportation Department Operations Manager Bryan Young said. 'With more construction, increased travel, and an influx of visitors, we're seeing more families and more drivers on the road. It only takes one impaired driver to change lives forever. This is a preventable problem, and it starts with each of us making responsible choices.'
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Driver who caused fiery crash that killed 7 tourists outside Yellowstone had BAC twice the legal limit: cops
The pick-up truck driver who caused a fiery crash with a tour van near Yellowstone National Park last month — killing himself and six others — had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. Isaih Moreno, 25, had a BAC of 0.20 after his body was pulled from the wreckage, while the Idaho legal limit is 0.08, state police revealed Friday. 'This tragedy should be a wake-up call,' ISP Captain Chris Weadick said in a statement. Isaih Moreno had a blood alcohol content of 0.20 when he caused the deadly crash outside Yellowstone Park. AP 'No one plans to cause a crash or take a life when they get behind the wheel, but choices have consequences. Impaired driving isn't just illegal — it's deadly. If you see someone unfit to drive, speak up. Lives depend on it.' The deadly crash occurred just before 7:15 p.m. on May 21 when Moreno swerved across the center line and collided with the Mercedes van carrying 14 people, investigators said. Both vehicles burst into flames, and six people aboard the tour van were killed. The international victims were identified as Jian Shi, 56, of Shanghai and Xiaoming Jiang, 66, of Guilin, China, and Ivana Wen, 28, of Milan, Italy. Seven people, including Moreno, were killed. AP Two of the deceased travelers were California residents: Li Nie, 64, and Aifeng Wan, 53, both of Arcadia. The van's 30-year-old driver Yu Zhang, of Eastvale, California, was also killed. Moreno, of Humble, Texas, was also killed. The highway where the crash happened is a popular route between Yellowstone and the Grand Teton national parks in the spring, when northern roads are still covered with snow. According to investigators, the tragedy came just before the start of Idaho's 100 Deadliest Days, or the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically rise due to increased summer travel, holidays and impaired driving. Alcohol-related crashes remain one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in Idaho, state police said. 'Idaho's roads are especially busy during the summer,' Idaho Transportation Department Operations Manager Bryan Young said. 'With more construction, increased travel, and an influx of visitors, we're seeing more families and more drivers on the road. It only takes one impaired driver to change lives forever. This is a preventable problem, and it starts with each of us making responsible choices.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Didn't get a Real ID/Idaho Star Card? Enforcement begins today. Here's what to know.
Star Card for Idaho The only visual difference between the current Idaho driver's license and ID card design and the Star Card is the Star in the upper right hand side of the card. Both allow you to legally drive and prove your identity for tasks like buying alcohol, obtaining social services, or registering to vote, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. (Courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department) Starting today, Transportation Security Administration officials will not accept state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards that are not REAL ID compliant. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Under the new REAL ID enforcement rules, all airline passengers 18 and older will need REAL ID-compliant identification or another federally accepted ID at airport security checkpoints. The requirement applies to all passengers 18 and over for all flights, including short domestic flights, transportation officials said. In Idaho, the Idaho Star Card meets the REAL ID enhanced security requirements, Idaho Transportation Department officials said. Standard Idaho driver's licenses that are not an Idaho Star Card do not meet the TSA REAL ID requirements, although those are still valid for driving purposes. What other forms of ID are federally recognized to get on flights? It is not mandatory for Idahoans to obtain a STAR Card, but Idahoans will need a STAR Card or some other federally accepted form of identification at airport security checkpoints starting today. If Idaho air travelers did not obtain an Idaho Star Card yet, they can present another federally-accepted form of identification, including a U.S. passport, military ID or an photo ID issued by a federally recognized Native American Tribe, said Britt Rosenthal, a public information officer for the Idaho Transportation Department. 'Some people are upset because they think it's a mandate (to obtain a REAL ID), but it's not a mandate,' Rosenthal said in a phone interview Thursday. 'There are lots of ways to meet the federal ID requirement, including a U.S. passport.' According to the Idaho Transportation Department, other acceptable forms of ID include: U.S. passport U.S. passport card Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Native American Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or First Nation and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) What's the worst case scenario for air travelers who don't have a Star Card or other federally accepted form of ID? Transportation officials say travelers could miss their flight or be subjected to a lengthy enhanced screening and identification process. An American Airlines plane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport on Oct. 1, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. () What is a REAL ID and why would travelers get one? In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID act in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the 9/11 Commission report. The REAL ID Act requires certain enhanced security features for drivers licenses to be accepted at airport security checkpoints and certain federal buildings. 'The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists,' said Adam Stahl, a TSA senior official, in a written statement issued April 11. 'TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.' Idaho Star Cards feature enhanced security features, including holograms and ghost images that are difficult to forge. 'Really what it's about is enhanced security, and there are some really cool security features baked straight into the card,' Rosenthal said. 'It's not about policing people or making things harder for people.' To obtain an Idaho Star Card, Idahoans need to provide multiple documents to prove their identity, their Social Security number and their Idaho residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card and two proofs of Idaho residency, such as a mortgage statement or lease agreement and a utility bill. Requirements to obtain an Idaho Star Card are very specific, and the Idaho Transportation Department has posted a list online and offers a free online 'Add the Star tool' that walks Idahoans through a checklist of documents they need to get a Star Card. Rosenthal said Idahoans who are obtaining a Star Card can save themselves time and avoid disappointment by reviewing the Star Card required documents before their appointment at the Division of Motor Vehicles. 'We acknowledge that getting a Star Card is a more in-depth process than getting a passport and that it is more difficult for women,' Rosenthal said. 'To mitigate that stress we have added tools like the Add the Star tool interactive checklist that shows what documents are needed in or to give as much information to the public and make it as accessible as possible.' REAL ID Enforcement begins today, but Idaho STAR Cards will remain available Although TSA officials begin enforcing REAL ID requirements today, there is no deadline to obtain a STAR Card. Idaho Transportation Department officials will continue to offer new Star Cards even after enforcement begins. 'It's not a deadline, it's an enforcement date,' Rosenthal said. 'Anyone can get a Star Card at any time. So if you are not planning to travel any time soon, you don't have to sweat it – you can take your time.' Many Idaho Division of Motor Vehicle county offices are available by appointment only, and appointments may not be available for a couple of weeks due to a surge in demand associated with the upcoming REAL ID enforcement date, Rosenthal said. To help meet demand, the Idaho Transportation Department began offering a temporary, walk-up Star Card station on April 24 at its campus located at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, in Garden City. Appointments are not required and service is available from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. At the temporary Star Card station, officials will only accept new Star Card applications and only accept credit and debit card payments – no cash or checks. No other DMV services are available at the temporary Star Card station. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Roadwork starts on Idaho's historic Rainbow Bridge linking Boise, McCall
Motorists traveling between Boise and McCall along Idaho 55 should plan extra time for their trip starting next week as road crews begin maintenance work on the historic Rainbow Bridge just north of Smiths Ferry in Valley County. Lane closures and temporary traffic signals will be in place each week, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, the Idaho Transportation Department said Friday in news release. No impacts are expected for higher-use travel days Friday to Sunday, though the two-lane bridge might be down to one lane on weekends this month ahead of Memorial Day on May 26, the agency said. Work on the bridge starting Monday includes repairing the deck surface, reinforcing concrete bridge elements and replacing bridge expansion joints, according to a construction update website. The project is intended to ensure the aging bridge meets current safety and capacity requirements, ITD said. During maintenance of the landmark span built in 1933, lanes will be reduced to widths of 11 feet before it wraps up by the fall, ITD said. However, traffic is expected to flow normally on all major holidays this summer, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. The months-long road project is unrelated to plans to permanently replace the 92-year-old arched bridge, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Last summer, ITD completed initial exploratory work, including drilling for rock and core samples around the existing bridge. A decision has yet to be made about whether to preserve the current span over the North Fork of the Payette River, ITD spokesperson Sophia Miraglio said in an email to the Idaho Statesman. Final design plans for a new bridge are expected to be ready in fall 2026, she said. Construction is expected to start in 2028 or 2029, ITD said. The estimated price tag to replace the bridge is $60 million, Miraglio said. That total will cover design, as well as construction of the bridge, roadway and retaining wall. 'The final cost of this project will depend on several factors such as the exact location and design of the bridge, and the extent of roadway work that is necessary,' she said. The bridge maintenance work starting Monday could affect summer rafting on the Payette River. Flaggers will direct river users on the upstream side during overhead bridge work, ITD said. Signs warning of construction ahead will be placed upstream of the bridge, the boat launch area at Cabarton Road Bridge and downstream raft take outs in Smiths Ferry.
New York Times
02-05-2025
- New York Times
7 Killed in Crash Involving a Tour Van and a Pickup Near Yellowstone
A pickup truck and a passenger van carrying a tour group collided in Idaho near Yellowstone National Park on Thursday evening, killing seven people, the Idaho State Police said. Both of the vehicles caught fire after the crash. Six of those killed were in the van, a Mercedes, which was carrying 14 people, the State Police said. The driver of the pickup, a Dodge Ram, was also killed. The crash happened just before 7:15 p.m. on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry's Lake, a popular spot for hiking, biking and fishing in eastern Idaho, about 15 miles from Yellowstone. The cause was under investigation. The State Police said that the authorities had summoned an air ambulance and other air and ground resources to respond to the crash because of the severity of the injuries. The Fremont County coroner, Brenda Dye, identified the driver and sole occupant of the pickup as Isaiah Moreno, 25, of Texas. Ms. Dye said that she was waiting for the results of DNA testing to identify the six people in the van who were killed, because the bodies were unrecognizable. All six were from outside the United States, Ms. Dye said in an interview on Friday. Two were from Italy, she said, and it wasn't clear where the other four were from. They had been part of a group that was touring Yellowstone, she said. After the crash, two others on the highway jumped out of their vehicle to help, she said. They were 'trying to pull out as many as they could,' from the van, which was emitting smoke, Ms. Dye said. She said they succeeded in helping eight people out of the van, including a child, before the van caught fire. U.S. Highway 20 was closed for nearly seven hours while emergency responders and the Idaho Transportation Department worked to manage the scene and clear the roadway, the State Police said.
