Swan Valley, ID (September 8, 2026) – Two people were injured after a trailer carrying a side-by-side detached from a pickup and was struck by a motorhome Monday morning, September 7, on U.S. Highway 26 near Swan Valley.
The crash happened around 11:15 a.m. at approximately milepost 372, according to the Idaho State Police. A 51-year-old Idaho Falls man was traveling west in a 2016 Ford F-350 towing a camp trailer and another trailer carrying a Razor when the Razor trailer detached and came to rest in the westbound lanes.
A 79-year-old man from Crestview, Florida, was traveling east in a 2020 Winnebago motorhome towing a Jeep when the motorhome struck the detached trailer. The motorhome driver and a passenger were transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital. Their conditions were not released.
Idaho State Police said everyone involved was wearing a seat belt. The westbound lanes remained blocked while the crash was being handled.
Our thoughts are with the two people injured in this crash and their loved ones. We wish both injured individuals a full and speedy recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Towing Trailers?
Towing a trailer requires drivers to account for the added length, weight, and movement of the equipment behind their vehicle. Before traveling, drivers should make sure the trailer is properly connected and that the hitch, safety chains, tires, lights, and other equipment are secure. A careful inspection can help identify problems before a trailer enters traffic.
Trailer loads should also be distributed evenly and secured so that cargo does not shift while the vehicle is moving. An improperly balanced load can affect handling and make a trailer more difficult to control. Drivers should also remain aware that towing equipment can increase stopping distances and make turns wider.
Drivers towing trailers should leave additional space around their vehicle and allow more time for braking or lane changes. Sudden steering movements can cause a trailer to sway or react differently from the towing vehicle. Slowing down, maintaining a steady course, and checking the trailer periodically can help reduce risks during a trip.
