CHEWELAH, Stevens County, Wash., Oct. 1, 2026 — Two people died on Wednesday morning, September 30, in a head-on crash on Highway 395 about three miles south of Chewelah. The Washington State Patrol said the collision blocked the northbound lane for a stretch of Wednesday late morning.
The crash happened shortly before 11:30 a.m. when a southbound 1995 Nissan Altima reportedly crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 1999 Subaru Legacy head-on. The Nissan rolled after impact and came to rest on the northbound shoulder.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as 50-year-old Brian Smith, died at the scene. A passenger in the Subaru, 55-year-old Jodie Valim, also died at the scene. The Subaru's driver, a 69-year-old man from Fruitland, was taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center; his condition has not been released.
The state patrol has not released a cause beyond the reported lane departure, and the crash remains under investigation.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
What Keeps Head-On Crashes From Happening on Rural Highways Like This
Two-lane highways carrying higher speeds, like much of Highway 395 through Stevens County, depend heavily on a painted centerline and driver attention to keep opposing traffic apart. When that line is crossed, there is usually no barrier or buffer to stop a head-on impact. Engineers have found that physical separation changes that equation. Median barriers, rumble strips cut into the centerline, and wider shoulders all give a drifting vehicle a chance to correct or a way to shed speed before reaching oncoming traffic.
Some agencies have also turned stretches of two-lane rural highway into "2+1" roads, alternating passing lanes separated by a barrier, which cuts head-on risk during overtaking without the cost of a full four-lane rebuild. Better nighttime lighting and reflective markings at curves and hill crests help drivers see a vehicle drifting out of its lane earlier, buying seconds that matter.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 44 percent of fatally injured passenger-vehicle occupants in frontal impacts were belted in 2023. That gap points to seat belt use as one of the few variables a driver controls directly, alongside staying alert on long rural stretches where a lapse of a second or two can cross a centerline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most head-on crashes happen?
They concentrate on two-lane rural roads and highways without a median, especially on curves, hills, or stretches where drivers attempt to pass.
What role does passing play in head-on crashes?
Misjudged passing maneuvers are a common factor, since they put a vehicle directly into the oncoming lane for several seconds at speed.
How do median barriers help prevent head-on crashes?
A physical barrier, even a cable or guardrail system, stops a wandering vehicle from reaching the opposing lane and converts a potential head-on crash into a lower-speed barrier strike.
What should I do if a car drifts into my lane?
Slow down, move toward the shoulder, and avoid swerving sharply into oncoming traffic yourself; a controlled move off the roadway is usually safer than an abrupt lane change.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash in Chewelah, WA
Anyone involved in a head-on crash should get a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since impact trauma can take hours to show symptoms. Keep records of the police report, any medical visits, and vehicle damage, and follow up with the investigating agency for updates once the report is finalized. If you witnessed a crash like this one, state troopers generally ask that you contact them directly rather than relying on secondhand accounts. Take time to process the event, and lean on family, friends, or local support resources in Chewelah if the crash affected you or someone you know.
