Idaho Falls, ID (May 18, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash at N. 5th West and 81st North (Riverfront Drive) left one man dead and two people with serious injuries on Friday afternoon, May 17, in Idaho Falls. The roadway was closed for a time as emergency units worked near the intersection.
According to initial information, 74-year-old Doyle Barney of Bonneville County was driving a Chrysler van southbound on N. 5th West around 12:30 p.m. when a Toyota Corolla traveling east on 81st North entered the intersection after failing to yield at a stop sign. Barney died at the site despite life-saving efforts.
A 72-year-old woman riding in the van and the 20-year-old man driving the Toyota were taken from the roadway for treatment of significant injuries. Further details about the crash had not been released by Saturday.
Investigators are still working to determine all factors that led to the fatal roadway collision. We extend heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life.
Why Stop Sign Violations Often Lead to Serious Intersection Collisions
Intersections controlled by stop signs can become especially dangerous when drivers fail to slow down fully or misjudge approaching traffic. These roadway points often involve vehicles moving in different directions at the same time, increasing the chance of severe contact between cars, trucks, and vans.
Serious injuries are more common in side-impact collisions because the sides of many vehicles have less protection than the front or rear. Higher travel speeds through intersections may also increase the force involved. In rural and suburban parts of Idaho, wide roads and open visibility can sometimes lead drivers to believe it is safe to continue without stopping completely. Investigators often review traffic patterns, vehicle movement, roadway markings, and witness statements to better understand how these crashes unfold.
