A 63-year-old Rathdrum man was killed in a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on U.S. 95 in Benewah County, authorities reported. The collision occurred near milepost 395 at Seltice Avenue around 2:30 p.m.
The motorcyclist was operating a northbound 2026 Honda when a southbound 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by a 25-year-old Plummer woman, turned left into his path. Unable to brake in time, the motorcycle struck the vehicle. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene. The Jeep driver was released without injury and was wearing a seat belt at the time of impact.
Investigators noted the motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet. The roadway remained intermittently blocked for approximately three hours while emergency crews worked the scene and cleared debris.
U.S. 95 is a critical thoroughfare connecting communities throughout the North Idaho Panhandle, and left-turn collisions at intersecting roads remain a persistent hazard. Traffic fatalities on regional highways underscore the importance of defensive driving and awareness at high-speed crossings.
Kootenai County and surrounding agencies continue to respond to vehicle collisions across the region. Earlier incidents, including a collision involving a log truck on U.S. 12 that hospitalized two Post Falls residents, reflect ongoing safety challenges on major roadways.
The Idaho State Police or Benewah County Sheriff’s Office may release additional details as the investigation concludes.