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.

The sun sounds pretty appealing right now, and an airline flying out of the Spokane International Airport is making that more accessible than you might have thought.

Allegiant Air is kicking off its Spokane to Honolulu direct flight offerings with a $140 one-way ticket.

“We are pleased to bring a new affordable and convenient travel option to Spokane,” Andrew C. Levy, president of Allegiant Travel Company, said. “We are confident area residents will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to Hawaii and the value of bundling their air, hotel and car rental reservation together.”

The new route will be traveled on a once-weekly basis from GEG to Honolulu International Airport and available to 223 passengers on each flight, according to a news release.

An officer with Coeur d’Alene Police Department was involved in a vehicle accident early on Wednesday morning after swerving to avoid deer in the roadway.

Coeur d’Alene officials explained in a news release that around 1:35 a.m., Officer Jason Wilhelm was driving westbound on Interstate 90 near mile marker 13 when four deer crossed the freeway in front of him.

His patrol vehicle, an unmarked 2007 GMC Envoy, struck the median and rolled on its side and slid along the freeway. The vehicle was totaled.

Officer Wilhelm was treated at Kootenai Medical Center, but sustained no injuries during the accident. He was released later that morning.

Idaho State Police is investigating the accident and believe there was no negligence in Officer Wilhelm’s driving and he was driving the speed limit.