Staying safe on Pend Oreille roads
First-hand insights from the Newport Community Hospital Emergency Department
Whether you are a lifelong resident of the Pend Oreille River Valley or a visitor exploring the mountains and waterways, road safety is a responsibility we all share. In fact, vehicle accidents were Newport Community Hospital’s second-highest cause of trauma-related injury in 2025, after falls.
The sobering truth: Most of the accidents seen in the Emergency Department are preventable, according to emergency physician Dr. Nathan Lilya.
The realities of Pend Oreille driving
Dr. Lilya notes that three common themes dominate the accidents that arrive at the ED: driving too fast for conditions, impaired driving, and — most dangerously — a combination of the two.
When it comes to conditions, geography plays a significant role.
“We see people, especially those from out of town, driving too fast because they aren’t familiar with our roadways,” explained Dr. Lilya, who has worked at Newport Community Hospital since 2016.
This awareness is important no matter the season. In the warmer months, visitors unfamiliar with the twists and turns of local back roads often maintain speeds that are unsafe for the terrain. In winter, travelers along Tiger Pass and Flowery Trail often face perilous conditions, not to mention icy stretches along the Pend Oreille River and Priest Lake.
Dr. Lilya added that in our region, don’t let down your guard even when the road appears flat, straight, and clear. If there is any doubt about the road surface, the best course of action is to slow down.
Top tips for road safety
Nationally, the CDC reports that motor vehicle crashes kill more than 120 people per day. Dr. Lilya’s experience at Newport Community Hospital reinforces the need to take a proactive approach to safety.
Always drive sober
Never drive impaired. Designate a driver or find an alternative way home before the first drink.
“If you’re going to be drinking, give someone else your keys before you start. Have a plan for how you’re going to get home,” Dr. Lilya said.
This applies to all vehicles — not just cars. Dr. Lilya emphasizes that there is no “safe” vehicle to operate while impaired, including ATVs, boats, and even golf carts.
Buckle up
Wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective way to survive a crash.
“The majority of people we see in the ER were restrained,” Dr. Lilya said. “Occasionally, we see someone who wasn’t, but a lot of times, those who aren’t restrained don’t make it off the scene.”
Make proper use of technology
Use your car’s built-in tools for talking on the phone, and never look at your screen while driving. While some technology can distract you, it’s also worth noting how other technologies save lives. Dr. Lilya said newer vehicles equipped with side airbags and advanced safety features have significantly reduced the severity of injuries seen over the course of his career in emergency medicine.
Slow down
Especially if you aren’t familiar with the area or if the weather is questionable, maintain a safe speed for conditions. And don’t become overconfident based upon your vehicle’s size or features.
“Four-wheel drive doesn’t make you stop any faster, and being in a big truck doesn’t necessarily make you safer,” he said.
