Okanogan County, WA (May 4, 2026) – Two people were injured following a two-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon on U.S. Highway 97 near Riverside.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the collision occurred just after 4:00 p.m., approximately one mile north of Riverside.
Authorities say a sport utility vehicle driven by 41-year-old John McKellips of Federal Way crossed the center line and collided with a trailer being towed by a pickup truck. The pickup was operated by 48-year-old Matthew Shiflett of Okanogan.
Both drivers sustained injuries in the crash. McKellips was airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane for treatment, while Shiflett was treated at the scene.
The incident caused traffic delays along the highway for several hours as crews responded and worked to clear the roadway.
Troopers have not yet determined whether impairment was a factor in the crash, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with those injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What Causes Vehicles to Cross the Center Line?
Crossing the center line is one of the most dangerous types of driving errors and often leads to serious head-on or side-impact collisions. This can occur due to driver distraction, fatigue, impairment, or attempting unsafe passing maneuvers.
Even a brief lapse in attention can cause a vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic, especially on rural highways where speeds are higher and lanes may be narrower. Road conditions, such as curves or poor visibility, can further increase the risk.
Staying focused, avoiding distractions, and maintaining proper lane positioning are essential steps in preventing these types of crashes.
