A 43-year-old Moscow man lost his life Wednesday evening when his southbound motorcycle was struck by a turning vehicle on U.S. Highway 95, approximately two miles north of the Moscow city limits.
First responders were called to the scene just after 6 p.m. The motorcyclist, riding a 2018 Harley-Davidson, was hit by a Toyota RAV4 that was turning onto Estes Road while heading northbound. Despite wearing a helmet and life-saving efforts from emergency personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota RAV4, an 87-year-old Moscow man, was medically evaluated at the scene and cleared of injuries.
Multi-Agency Response Closes Highway for Hours
The collision prompted a significant emergency response and extended highway closure. Idaho State Police led the investigation, with assistance from the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Moscow Fire Department, Latah Volunteer Fire Department, and the Idaho Transportation Department.
U.S. Highway 95 was shut down in both directions between mileposts 348 and 349 for roughly three hours while investigators worked the scene, creating travel delays on one of the region’s primary north-south corridors.
A Recurring Concern on Highway 95
The stretch of Highway 95 near Moscow has historically been a source of concern for motorists, particularly at rural intersections where turn movements can create hazardous conditions for through traffic. The fatal crash serves as a reminder of the risks faced by motorcyclists, even when taking precautions such as wearing a helmet.
Local law enforcement agencies in Latah County continue to handle a wide range of public safety calls. Moscow Police fielded 20 calls on July 13 alone, including a burglary, dog bite, and custody dispute, reflecting the ongoing demands placed on area responders.
What Comes Next
Idaho State Police are continuing their investigation into the crash. No charges or citations had been publicly announced as of publication. The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. Anyone with information about the incident or who witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact Idaho State Police.
As summer traffic volume increases on Highway 95 — a major route connecting Moscow to Lewiston to the south and Coeur d’Alene to the north — safety advocates and law enforcement officials have consistently urged motorists to exercise caution at rural intersections, particularly when visibility or reaction time may be reduced for turning drivers.