Payette County, ID (April 4, 2026) – A crash in Payette County left two people seriously hurt after a pickup truck overturned along State Highway 52.
The accident occurred around 4:28 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, along the westbound lanes near milepost 4. Authorities said a 23-year-old man from New Plymouth was driving a white 1989 Chevrolet pickup when he failed to maintain his lane.
Reports indicate the truck crossed the center line and went off the south side of the road. The driver then overcorrected, sending the vehicle back across both lanes before it left the roadway again and overturned on the north side.
A 20-year-old woman, also from New Plymouth, was ejected during the crash. Both occupants were airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The highway was closed for about two hours and 25 minutes as crews responded to the scene. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Overcorrection Can Lead to Rollover Crashes
Overcorrection is a common factor in car crashes, especially when a driver drifts off the roadway. When a vehicle’s tires leave the pavement, sudden steering adjustments can cause the driver to lose control instead of safely returning to the lane.
Sharp steering movements at higher speeds may force the vehicle across multiple lanes or into the opposite shoulder. This can increase the chance of a rollover, particularly in older vehicles or those with a higher center of gravity. Uneven ground along the roadside can also contribute to instability once a vehicle leaves the pavement.
Wearing a seat belt can help reduce the risk of being ejected during a crash. Maintaining steady control and slowing down before reentering the roadway are safer ways to handle these situations.
