Grant man not severely injured in two-vehicle accident
By Becky Uehling
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
A 25-year-old Grant man escaped serious injury after being involved in a two-vehicle injury accident that occurred approximately two miles north of Grant on Monday, Aug. 15.
According to Perkins County Sheriff James Brueggeman, the accident involved a 2018 Ram 2500 pickup pulling a loaded 16’ utility trailer driven by J.J. Long of Grant and a 2013 Yamaha Star XVS1300 motorcycle driven by Christian Simmons.
According to Brueggeman, at approximately 11:26 a.m., just south of Vista Drive on North Hwy 61, Long signaled a left hand turn approximately 400’ south of Highway 61 and Vista Drive, intending to turn. Simmons, seeing Long’s turn signal and him slowing, began to pass Long by moving into the southbound lane
Long, not realizing Simmons started passing and because there were no oncoming vehicles, left the northbound lane and began moving into the southbound lane, intending to allow Simmons to pass in the northbound lane, Brueggeman said.
Simmons, who saw Long moving into the southbound lane, locked up the front and rear brakes on the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to spill onto its right side with Simmons still on the motorcycle.
According to Brueggema, Simmons slid on the motorcycle 123’ in the southbound lane and 88’ on the asphalt’s west shoulder before he separated from the motorcycle. The motorcycle then slid another 90’ on the asphalt before entering the grass shoulder, flipping onto its left side and traveling another 39’ before coming to rest.
Following the accident, Long called 911 to summons emergency services, and gave aid to Simmons. Long’s vehicle was not damaged and Long, who was wearing a seat belt, reported no injuries. Simmons was wearing a helmet and was transported by the Perkins County Ambulance to Perkins County Health Services for treatment of his injuries and was later released. He was suspected to have minor non-life threatening injuries to his upper and lower body, according to Brueggeman. Alcohol, drugs and excessive speed were not considered to be factors in the accident, Brueggeman said.
Simmons’ motorcycle was estimated to have $6,000 in damage and was towed from the scene by a friend, according to Brueggeman.
“We are very fortunate this accident did not result in serious disabling injuries or a fatality,” said Brueggeman. “Intersection accidents and passing accidents near intersections are some of the most serious Perkins County Sheriff’s Office investigates and have resulted in numerous fatalities in our county throughout the years.”
Brueggeman encourages all motorists to use seat belts, helmets, obey speed limits, exercise caution and patience around intersections, and stay within proper driving lanes during turning maneuvers.