STURGIS, S.D. — The South Dakota Highway Patrol reports a decline in motorcycle crashes during this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Over the first six days of the rally from Aug. 6 to Aug. 11, troopers confirmed 54 crashes, including three fatalities and 32 injuries. This reflects a more than 37% drop compared to 86 crashes during the same period in 2022.
Backing Semi Pushes SUV into Motorcycles
STURGIS, S.D. — On Aug. 10 at 8 p.m., a 2016 Freightliner semi was backing on South Dakota Highway 79, near Iron Horse Campground, when it struck a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The impact pushed the SUV into two motorcycles. A 63-year-old male motorcycle operator and a 23-year-old male biker sustained minor injuries and were transported to a Sturgis hospital. Both vehicle operators reported no injuries.
Biker Hurt on Needles Highway
CUSTER STATE PARK — Just before 2 p.m. on Aug. 10, a 20-year-old male lost control of a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle while navigating switchbacks on Needles Highway. The operator, who was wearing a helmet, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Interstate Crash Ejects Passenger
RAPID CITY, S.D. — At approximately 12:15 p.m. on Aug. 10, a 2024 Indian motorcycle failed to negotiate a curve on Interstate 190, ejecting a 55-year-old female passenger. She was taken to a Rapid City hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the 65-year-old male operator was unharmed.
Blown Tire Leads to Bike Crash
DEADWOOD, S.D. — Shortly after 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 10, a 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle lost control due to a blown tire on U.S. 85. A 64-year-old male operator, who was wearing a helmet, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Injury Crash on Wildlife Loop Road
CUSTER STATE PARK — A 72-year-old male operator of a Harley-Davidson suffered minor injuries after losing control of his motorcycle on Wildlife Loop Road at 11:15 a.m. on Aug. 10.
Crash Statistics Show Decrease
The South Dakota Highway Patrol noted the total traffic count for the rally reached over 318,000, a decrease of 7.8% from last year. The Sturgis Police Department reported a 2% decrease in general calls for service, with 953 responses so far compared to 972 in 2022.