STURGIS, S.D. —  As the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally drew to a close on Sunday, law enforcement in South Dakota reported three fatalities and 47 injuries as a result of rally-related crashes in Western South Dakota.

Over the course of the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the South Dakota Highway Patrol releases daily information on crashes and crime in and around the city of Sturgis.

Known as the Rally Tally, the daily release includes information on investigations conducted only by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and does not include statistics compiled by other organizations, including the Sturgis Police Department and various county sheriff’s offices in the area.

Six injured in two Saturday motorcycle crashes

The South Dakota Highway Patrol responded to just two injury crashes on Saturday.

The first crash occurred shortly before 3:45 p.m., when a 2022 Honda Odyssey was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 16, just to the south of Rapid City. When the Honda slowed for vehicles attempting to turn near a curve in the road, it was approached from behind by two Harley Davidson motorcycles.

One Harley Davidson lost control of their bike while attempting to avoid striking the Honda minivan, causing the motorcycle to overturn, separating the driver. The loose bike struck the minivan from behind. The other Harley Davidson driver lost control of the bike and overturned.

Both motorcyclists were wearing helmets and sustained minor injuries. The driver of the Honda was unharmed.

The second crash happened just before 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of Norris Peak Road and Hat Mountain Drive, about four miles east of the Pactola Reservoir.

In that crash, a 2008 Victory Vision and a 2004 Harley Davidson ElectraGlide were traveling opposite directions on Norris Peak Road when the Harley Davidson failed to negotiate a curve. The ElectraGlide entered the opposite lane, striking the Victory Vision.

Both drivers and passengers on both motorcycles sustained serious, non-life threatening injuries.

Crash numbers down 28% compared to the 2023 Rally

The South Dakota Highway Patrol responded to fewer crashes during this year’s rally.

Troopers this year handled 54 non-injury crashes, 35 injury crashes and three fatal crashes over the course of the annual gathering, a 28% decrease from the 127 crashes handled last year.

Those 92 crashes resulted in the deaths of three people and injury of 47 more along roads throughout western South Dakota. This year’s numbers fell in line with the number of crashes handled by troopers during the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Despite the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally beginning on Friday, Aug. 5, the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s Rally Tally doesn’t consider crashes that occurred before 6 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Ahead of that date, five people were killed in five separate crashes in western South Dakota.

Highway Patrol seized $71K in cash

When troopers aren’t busy handling crash scenes, they’re also conducting traffic stops and investigating crimes.

During this year’s rally, the South Dakota Highway Patrol seized $71,504 in cash that could be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. That’s a nearly 3,500% increase from the $2,005 seized during last year’s rally.

Though the specific reason for the seizures is unclear, South Dakota law allows law enforcement officers to seize property, including cash, if the officer has probable cause to believe the seized property is directly or indirectly dangerous to public health or safety or if the property is believed to have been used or intended to be used in the commission of a crime.

DUI, drug arrests climb

Authorities made more arrests for driving under the influence and drug possession or use this year.

Troopers reported making 155 arrests for driving under the influence, 134 of which came from within Sturgis. The number of DUI arrests made this year was 29% more than the 120 arrests made last year.

Drug arrests also climbed, with authorities making 281 misdemeanor drug arrests and 163 felony drug arrests, roughly 11% more year-over-year.

The 2023 rally saw drug arrests climb by roughly 60% compared to 2022, making this year the second-straight increase.

Fewer citations, more warnings issued

Though it’s not an indication of the South Dakota Highway Patrol becoming more lenient, troopers were more likely to hand out a warning to motorists in western South Dakota than a ticket.

Troopers issued 1,455 traffic citations and 4,445 written warnings during this year’s rally. That’s 20 fewer citations and 149 more warnings compared to last year’s numbers.

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