STURGIS, S.D. — Seven injuries were reported Tuesday, Aug. 6, during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, resulting from various crashes and incidents.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol reported multiple accidents from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, including a police pursuit, a deer strike, and motorcycle crashes. These incidents highlight the dangers faced by rally participants.
Police Pursuit Leads to Roll-over Incident
BELVIDERE, S.D. — A multi-agency police pursuit resulted in a pickup rolling into a ditch shortly before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on a 2005 GMC Sierra near mile marker 170 of Interstate 90 for speeding when the driver fled. The pursuit ended on Highway 248 after a tire deflation system was deployed. The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken into custody; charges are pending.
Motorcyclist Airlifted After Crash
BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST — At 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, a 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle crashed after the driver failed to negotiate a left curve at mile marker 32 of U.S. Highway 14A. The driver, wearing a helmet, suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a Rapid City hospital.
Deer Strike Injures Biker
SPEARFISH, S.D. — At approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday, a 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was struck by a deer while westbound on Interstate 90 near the Jackson Boulevard exit. The driver, also wearing a helmet, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Spearfish hospital.
Motorcycle Flips After Hitting Ditch
PRINGLE, S.D. — A 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycle flipped after hitting debris in a ditch around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The driver lost control while traveling westbound at mile marker 5 on Wildlife Loop Road. The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a Custer hospital.
Bikers Injured in Wildlife Loop Crash
PRINGLE, S.D. — Shortly after 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, a 2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycle accident occurred when the driver veered too close to the shoulder on Wildlife Loop Road. Both the driver and passenger, not wearing helmets, suffered minor injuries but refused hospital transport.
Two-Bike Crash Near Campsite
BLUCKSBURG MOUNTAIN, S.D. — At approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, a 2012 Honda motorcycle was rear-ended by a 2013 Harley-Davidson while attempting a left turn into a campsite near South 130th Avenue. The Honda driver sustained no injuries, while the Harley-Davidson driver suffered minor injuries. Neither motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.