Runaway RV underscores dangers of Teton Pass

JACKSON (WNE) — As traffic slowed on the approach to Wilson around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, a runaway motorhome towing a cargo trailer barreled down Teton Pass at an estimated 45 mph, prompting one witness to fear another deadly crash was imminent.

“I just immediately pulled out my phone and was recording it, just hoping that everything turned out okay because I felt like someone was going to die,” said Jeff Bernhard, a commercial photographer living in Victor, Idaho.

“I’m so glad that this one turned out okay,” he said. “It was kind of miraculous that the driver could avoid all the oncoming traffic and everything else.”

Bernhard posted the video on his professional social media page, Grand Teton Photography, with the message: “There have been so many tragic accidents lately. Luckily this one ended on a good note, but a great reminder for everyone to check their brakes before attempting Teton Pass.”

The close call came nine days after a collision on Teton Pass killed two people and injured four others.

In the video, the RV appears to be experiencing brake trouble before reaching backed-up traffic outside Wilson.

As the motorhome crossed into the oncoming lane and threaded through the two lanes of vehicles, Bernhard said many drivers did not immediately react. 

“I think it was just taking people a while to register,” he said. 

As the RV rounded the final curve into Wilson, Bernhard said he expected the worst.

The video shows the RV entering Wilson at about 47 mph. The driver maneuvers through traffic before bringing the vehicle to a stop near Hungry Jack’s General Store and the Basecamp gas station.

Afterward, Bernhard said the driver climbed out of the RV, visibly shaken.

Bernhard hopes the video serves as a reminder for motorists to inspect their vehicles before tackling steep mountain grades.

“Give it a quick check,” he said. “Check your brakes.”

The incident is being investigated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

This story was published on July 17, 2026.

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