STURGIS, S.D. — Fewer crashes reported during the ongoing Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Over the first six days of the rally, state troopers have documented a total of 54 crashes, down from 86 during the same period last year. The current tally includes three fatal crashes, 32 injuries, and 19 non-injury incidents.
Authorities reported a notable drop in the number of crash-related incidents, with 13 injury crashes occurring within Sturgis and 19 in the greater Black Hills region. Traffic counts for the rally are also down by 7.8%, with over 318,000 vehicles recorded.
Backing Semi Pushes SUV into Motorcycles
STURGIS, S.D. — On Thursday, Aug. 13, at 8 p.m., a 2016 Freightliner semi stopped to back up on South Dakota Highway 79 near Iron Horse Campground, unintentionally colliding with a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The impact pushed the SUV into two parked motorcycles, injuring a 63-year-old male biker and a 23-year-old male biker, who were transported to a Sturgis hospital. The SUV and semi drivers reported no injuries.
Biker Hurt on Needles Highway
CUSTER STATE PARK — At 2 p.m. on Aug. 13, a 20-year-old male operator lost control of his 2005 Harley-Davidson on Needles Highway. Although he was wearing a helmet, he sustained non-life-threatening injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Interstate Crash in Rapid City Ejects Passenger
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A 2024 Indian motorcycle, traveling northbound on Interstate 190 at 12:15 p.m. on Aug. 13, went off the road after the 65-year-old male operator failed to navigate the curve. A 55-year-old female passenger was ejected and taken to a Rapid City hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; the operator was uninjured.
Blown Tire Causes Crash Near Deadwood
DEADWOOD, S.D. — A 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle experienced a blown tire while traveling northbound on U.S. 85 at 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 13. The 64-year-old operator, wearing a helmet, was transported to a Spearfish hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Additional Incidents
Other injury crashes included a 2000 Harley-Davidson losing control north of Deadwood and a 72-year-old operator overturning a 203 Harley-Davidson on Wildlife Loop Road.
As the rally progresses, authorities continue to monitor traffic and incidents closely.