Meade County, South Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — At least 10 people were injured in seven separate motorcycle crashes from Sunday into Monday, as the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues. Two of the incidents required helicopter rescues to transport victims for medical treatment, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
The data, part of the agency’s daily “Rally Tally” release, covers incidents reported between 6 a.m. Sunday, August 3, and 6 a.m. Monday, August 4. The figures include only cases investigated by the Highway Patrol and exclude reports from other agencies such as the Sturgis Police Department and local sheriffs.
Crash Summaries:
Deer Strike Leads to Airlift
Black Hills National Forest — Around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, a 2022 Harley-Davidson struck a deer on U.S. Highway 14A, causing the bike to crash. A female passenger wearing a helmet was airlifted to Rapid City with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The driver, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained minor injuries.
Tree Collision Triggers Life Flight
Custer, S.D. — Around 4:45 p.m. Sunday, a 2009 Harley-Davidson crashed into a tree after the driver failed to navigate a curve on Wildlife Loop Road near Highway 87. The driver, not wearing a helmet, was airlifted with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
Two Bikers Hurt in Tilford Crash
Tilford, S.D. — At 11:30 a.m., two Harley-Davidsons collided on I-90 when a vehicle cut off one of the bikes, triggering a chain-reaction crash. Two riders were hospitalized, one with serious injuries, one with minor injuries. The other two riders were not injured.
Jeep Turns in Front of Biker
Deadwood, S.D. — Just after 2 p.m., a Jeep Wrangler turned left in front of a Yamaha motorcycle on U.S. Highway 385, 12 miles north of Pactola Lake. The biker, who was wearing a helmet, suffered minor injuries. The Jeep driver was uninjured.
Gravel Causes Keystone Crash
Keystone, S.D. — Around 5:30 p.m., gravel on SD Highway 40 caused a 2008 Harley-Davidson to slide and crash into a guardrail. The biker came to rest against a barbed wire fence and was hospitalized with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
Steering Failure Near Sturgis
Sturgis, S.D. — At 1 p.m., the steering failed on a 2023 Harley-Davidson while navigating a curve on U.S. Highway 14A. The male driver and a passenger, both wearing helmets, suffered minor injuries and were transported to a Sturgis hospital.
Ditch Crash Near Rapid City Christian
Rapid City, S.D. — Around 9:30 p.m., a 2005 Honda motorcycle entered a ditch near Spring Creek Road after the rider failed to negotiate a curve. The driver, not wearing a helmet, sustained minor injuries.
Rally Arrests Trending Down
According to the Highway Patrol, DUI and drug-related arrests are down through the first two days of the event:
-
DUI Arrests: 38 total as of Monday morning (31 in Sturgis), compared to 50 at the same point last year.
-
Drug Arrests: 33 felony and 65 misdemeanor drug arrests — a 29% decrease from 2024.
Daily reports will continue through the remainder of the 10-day rally.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.