Kooskia, ID (June 18, 2026) – Three motorcyclists were killed Tuesday afternoon in a crash on US Hwy 12 near Milepost 113, east of Kooskia.
The Idaho State Police said a 2019 Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on US Hwy 12 when it attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone. The preliminary investigation found that the truck crossed the double centerline and struck three motorcyclists traveling eastbound.
All three motorcyclists died from their injuries at the site of the collision. The driver of the Ford, a 60-year-old woman from Colorado Springs, was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being arrested and booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter.
US Hwy 12 was closed for approximately six and a half hours while evidence was processed and the roadway was cleared. The investigation into the crash continues. Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who died.
Why Passing Zones Are Important for Highway Safety
Passing zones are designed to give drivers a safer opportunity to move around slower traffic when conditions allow. Double centerlines typically indicate areas where passing is not permitted because visibility or roadway design may create additional risks.
Highway crashes involving vehicles entering opposing lanes can become severe because drivers traveling in opposite directions have limited time to react. Investigators may review roadway markings, vehicle movements, driver decisions, and available evidence when examining these types of collisions.
Motorcycles can face increased risks in multi-vehicle crashes because riders have less protection than occupants of larger vehicles. Careful lane awareness and adherence to traffic rules can help reduce the risk of dangerous roadway encounters.
