STURGIS, S.D. — The South Dakota Highway Patrol reports a decrease in motorcycle crashes during the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
From August 13 to 14, a variety of incidents were documented, including minor injuries in several motorcycle-related accidents. The Highway Patrol released daily statistics but noted the figures do not include data from other law enforcement agencies.
Backing Semi Collides with SUV, Pushes into Motorcycles
On August 13 at 8 p.m., a 2016 Freightliner semi-truck was backing on South Dakota Highway 79 near Iron Horse Campground, colliding with a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. This impact pushed the SUV into two Indian motorcycles. A 63-year-old male motorcycle operator and a 23-year-old male rider sustained minor injuries and were transported to a Sturgis hospital. No injuries were reported by the semi-truck driver or the SUV driver.
Biker Injured on Needles Highway
Around 2 p.m. on August 13, a 20-year-old male lost control of his 2005 Harley-Davidson while navigating switchbacks north of the Hood Tunnel. The biker, wearing a helmet, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Motorcycle Crash on Interstate 190
At 12:15 p.m. on August 13, a 2024 Indian motorcycle exited onto Interstate 190 toward Sturgis. The 65-year-old male operator lost control, causing a 55-year-old female passenger to be ejected. She was taken to a Rapid City hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; the operator was unharmed.
Blown Tire Causes Crash Near Deadwood
Shortly after 9:45 a.m., a 2018 Harley-Davidson headed north on U.S. 85 experienced a tire failure, leading the 64-year-old male operator to lose control. He was treated for minor injuries at a Spearfish hospital.
Injury Crash on Wildlife Loop Road
At approximately 11:15 a.m. on August 13, a 72-year-old male rider on a Harley-Davidson lost control on Wildlife Loop Road after a group of motorcycles slowed down. He suffered minor injuries.
Overall Crash Statistics
According to the Highway Patrol, 54 crashes were reported in the first six days of the rally, a decrease from 86 crashes in 2022. This year’s totals included three fatal incidents, 32 injury crashes, and 19 non-injury crashes. Traffic counts for the rally indicate a 7.8% decrease compared to last year, with over 318,000 motorists recorded.