In last two weeks Eastern Washington and North Idaho have seen over five ATV accidents including one death in the LC Valley last week. While ATV riding is fun, it's important to learn proper technique to remain safe.

“We think it takes special skills to ride an ATV,” says Dale Stevens, a licensed ATV safety instructor with the ATV Safety Institute. ASI is a non-profit sponsored by the all the major ATV manufacturers. Instructors like Stevens teach regular safety classes to educate riders on proper technique, safety skills and the responsibilities that come with owning and riding ATVs.

After taking his course many riders tell Stevens that they didn't know what a work out riding is and that they expected it to be easier. Stevens says that a lot of people expect ATVs to be like riding a couch on wheels but it that it takes a lot of physical effort and knowledge of how ATVs operate to remain safe while riding.

KOOSKIA, ID - The Idaho Transportation Department spent the day drilling and blasting to break apart a large rock that closed part of US 12 about 40 miles east of Kooskia yesterday. The largest rock was 12 feet wide, 12 feet tall, and 20 feet long (107 cubic yards of rock). US 12 westbound, between Pete King Creek Road and Bald Mountain, was reduced to one lane until crews were able to clear the road at about 2:00 this afternoon. (PHOTO courtesy of ITD).

Mia Carlson, news director for KZBG, wrote this report.