STURGIS, S.D. — The South Dakota Highway Patrol has reported two additional traffic fatalities and 14 injuries since the start of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The fatalities occurred over the 10-day event, highlighting ongoing concerns about motorcycle safety. The Highway Patrol issues daily updates dubbed the “Rally Tally,” detailing incidents investigated solely by them, excluding statistics from local law enforcement agencies.
Motorcyclist dies after police pursuit crash
STURGIS, S.D. — A 28-year-old motorcyclist died on Aug. 4 following a crash linked to a police pursuit. The incident occurred shortly after 12:50 a.m. when officers attempted to stop him for exhibition driving near the Iron Horse Saloon. He fled, lost control on U.S. Highway 14A, and was airlifted to Monument Health hospital, where he later died. This marks the third traffic fatality during the rally.
Motorcyclist killed in Rapid City collision
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A 23-year-old male motorcyclist died after colliding with a pickup truck at the intersection of South Dakota Highway 44 and Airport Road shortly before 4 p.m. on Aug. 7. The pickup’s driver failed to see the motorcycle while turning. The motorcyclist, wearing a helmet, was taken to Monument Health, where he was pronounced dead.
High-speed crash on I-90 leaves biker critical
PHILIP, S.D. — A motorcyclist is in critical condition after rear-ending a pickup truck on Interstate 90 after 5 p.m. on Aug. 7. The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck the rear of a 2020 Dodge Ram, resulting in an airlift to a Rapid City hospital.
Two injured in collision near Sturgis
BLUCKSBERG MOUNTAIN, S.D. — Two motorcyclists were injured in a crash on the off-ramp of Interstate 90 at Pleasant Valley Road shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 7. A rider made a turn without seeing an approaching motorcyclist, resulting in a collision that sent one rider to a Sturgis hospital with serious injuries.
Other incidents reported
Numerous other motorcycle-related injuries have occurred, including side-swipes, tire blowouts, and crashes caused by loss of control. Investigations are ongoing as local agencies respond to the high volume of incidents during the rally.