ATV Crash Victim Speaks

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ATV Crash Victim Speaks

By Kent Erdahl

A Watertown man is in a Sioux Falls hospital after two ATV's flipped on highway 212 in Watertown just after 4:00 p.m. on Friday.

Jared Koustrup, 20, was flown to Sioux Falls after suffering head injuries in the accident, KSFY spoke to the other young man involved in the accident, and explains what he's saying about the crash.

Jeremy Kannas was driving down Highway 212 on his ATV on Friday, when he slowed down and his friend Jared Koustrup hit him from behind. Their tires touched and caused both ATV's to flip.

Despite breaking his arm in the accident 18 year old Jeremy Kannas says he immediately knew his friend Jared Koustrup was the one in trouble.

"I got up and pushed my four-wheeler over," Kannas said. "And I turned around and my friends were helping Jared get the four-wheeler off him."

The east-bound lane of Highway 212 was cleaned off Friday night, but, hours earlier, it is where Jared Koustrup landed on his head. He was later flown to Avera McKennan hospital in Sioux Falls for head injuries, but first responders say he was responsive.

"(He was) conscious and talking to the ambulance crew," said Watertown Police Captain Lee McPeek.

McPeeK says the tough part is knowing it could have been prevented.

"From what I understood, neither one of them were wearing helmets," McPeek said. "So that obviously could have helped with head injuries."

Tonight Kannas says he wishes he and Jared had been wearing helmets, but he says it doesn't matter now because, even though his ATV doesn't show a scratch, he won't be riding it any time soon.

"I'm going to sell mine," Kannas said. "I've had mine for a while. Don't want it anymore after this."

 

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Saturday, Aug 16 at 3:59 PM Kenn wrote ...

I have been riding for over 20 years and the smart ones live on with aw helmet and the rest well they get hurt and cause a bad name for people like me whom ride the machine where it was intended.

Tuesday, Jul 29 at 1:31 AM jack wrote ...

o well

Monday, Jul 28 at 6:35 PM ME wrote ...

These things are not toys! As we have all seen in the past few wks, If you arent responsible enough to drive them then dont own one! enough said

Monday, Jul 28 at 4:16 PM sheri wrote ...

jerrod is related to me and yes they should of been wearing helmets.but we need to focus on jerrod that he pulls threw this.

Monday, Jul 28 at 1:26 PM Kelly wrote ...

OK since Gabe told everyone we need to lay off I guess I will

Monday, Jul 28 at 5:41 AM jeremy kannas wrote ...

jut 2 let you know we wernet foolin around so dont judge me n my friends driving it was an accident it could b worse s dnt go judging me

Monday, Jul 28 at 5:28 AM jeremy kannas wrote ...

yes i regret no wearing my helmet and after my accidnt i learned now how imrtant they are and evetough the tag does saynot for highway use they do alow you 2 street legal them and about the selling price im not sure yet im getting it fixed first thenim gonna decide if i will sell

Monday, Jul 28 at 5:05 AM Jon wrote ...

I have a licensed ATV in Sioux Falls and feel they are unsafe for paved surfaces. An ATV's design is made to allow them to slide on dirt,sand, gravel and snow. There is no sliding on paved surfaces which causes too much grip on the front and rear ends. This grip will cause the ATV to roll if you try to do an emergency manuver. DOT street tires increase this grip even more.

Monday, Jul 28 at 1:25 AM Gabe T wrote ...

Ok, everyone needs to lay off. These two are my friends, for one, there is a law for helmets, under 18, you are an adult at 18, you make your own decision. For two, they are legal on the road if they are licensed and have lights. Right now, we are more worried about my buddy that got flown to Sioux Falls, thats what everyone else should worry about, how he is doing, not chewing him out right away.

Sunday, Jul 27 at 5:12 PM quadmom wrote ...

When will people ever learn? A helmet may cost $75 to $100 or more but isnt it worth it to save your life? I think so. I have 2 boys (7&9) that race quads and even they know that they do not start their quads without haveing a helmet on whether at the track or at home. The helmets may not make you look cool but they are ALOT better than brain injuries etc. I just don't understand why people won't wear them!!!!!

Sunday, Jul 27 at 4:21 PM ATV rider wrote ...

you can ride atv's on paved roads, these guys just got hurt because they were foolin around.

Sunday, Jul 27 at 11:34 AM Aberdeen Family wrote ...

I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A LAW WRITTEN TO WHERE AND WHOM CAN RIDE ATV'S. I DONT THINK A HIGHYWAY IS TO BE A PLACE. AND IT SHOULD BE THE LAW THAT HELMATS SHOULD BE ON AT ALL TIMES OR THERES A FINE JUST LIKE SEAT BELTS. MY HUSBANDS BEST FRIEND PASSED AWAY BECAUSE OF A ATV ACCIDENT BECUSE HE DID WANT TO WAER A HELMET. NOW THINK ABOUT IT IF WE HAVE A LAW THAT SAYS THERE HAS TO BE HELMETS JUST LIKE SEAT BELTS THERE WOULD BE A LESS DEATH RATE ON ATVS AND LESS HEAD INJURIES.

Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:23 PM Dino wrote ...

Why were they riding on the highway? Isn't there a warning tag on the quad stating "Not designed for use on paved streets and highways"?

Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:57 AM Derrick wrote ...

I wonder how much they are selling the quads for?

Friday, Jul 25 at 10:13 PM shelby wrote ...

omg that is such scary to me i hope that you feel better soon

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