Motorcycle Deaths On The Road To Sturgis

Written by Rob Fleming

Since 1980 South Dakota has had a growing concern for highway safety, and more importantly bikers who travel in and around Sturgis, and where ever you see a "Think" sign marks a place on the road where a biker has died. At this years Sturgis rally there have been 2 deaths and 7 seriously injured on the roads and with a substantial increase this years attendees, it is still too many!

South Dakota and the cities and towns surrounding Sturgis are making highway safety their top concern, and in addition to the "Think" signs, there are also those highly visible Amber flashing signs reminding everyone to check their speed, and blind spots, and to watch out for motorcyclists.

So what can motorists do to be proactive and safe while on the roads? The first thing is to make safety a priority and always thing about those you are sharing the road with.

Among tips the Highway Patrol recommends include:

• Motorcyclists should ride in single-file or staggered lines and avoid crowding the center line or crowding motorists.
• Motorists should remember not to crowd cycles. Motorcycles have the same rights on the road as motorists.
• Motorists and cyclists should follow the recommended speed limits. Motorcyclists should be especially aware of speed limits on curves.
• It is against the law to drink and drive. Motorists and cyclists should make sure they have sober drivers.
• Motorists should remember to buckle up.
• Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear helmets.

Last year, 16 motorcyclists died and 508 were injured in crashes on South Dakota highways. Statistics show that nearly 30 percent of motorcycle crashes in South Dakota occurred in four counties — Custer, Lawrence, Meade and Pennington — during a 12-day period surrounding the Sturgis motorcycle rally.

Sturgis is all about having fun, so by thinking about your fellow motorist we can have fun and stay safe!

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who will fight to protect your rights. Call 1-800-4-BIKERS today to speak with a motorcycle lawyer about your rights.