A 63-year-old Rathdrum man died in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 95 in Benewah County on August 19, authorities said. The collision occurred near milepost 395, close to Seltice Avenue, in an area that serves as a major transportation corridor connecting Coeur d’Alene and points north in the Idaho Panhandle.
The crash happened at approximately 2:38 p.m. when a 25-year-old female driver from Plummer, operating a red 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee southbound, turned left onto Seltice Avenue. A 2026 Honda motorcycle traveling northbound struck the Jeep. The motorcycle rider, unable to stop in time, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigation and Response
Idaho State Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision. The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Department, Plummer Police Department, and Benewah Sheriff’s Office provided assistance at the scene. The roadway remained blocked intermittently for approximately three hours before being reopened to traffic.
The female driver of the Jeep was released from the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet.
Impact on Regional Travel
US Highway 95 is a critical north-south route through Kootenai County and the surrounding region, connecting Rathdrum, Coeur d’Alene, and communities further north. Traffic disruptions on this corridor can affect commuters and commercial traffic throughout North Idaho. The three-hour closure caused delays for travelers in the area during the afternoon.
The crash adds to a series of serious collisions on regional highways in recent months. A Rathdrum motorcyclist died in a separate US 95 collision near Seltice Avenue in an earlier incident, and two Post Falls residents were hospitalized after a US 12 collision with a log truck, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on major roadways throughout Kootenai County.
What Comes Next
Idaho State Police will continue their investigation into the fatal collision. Findings may provide insight into contributing factors and inform ongoing efforts to improve highway safety in the region. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution when turning onto or crossing major highways, particularly on busy routes like US 95 that see substantial daily traffic.