The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) continues to report increased vehicle traffic entering Sturgis for the 85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Over the first six days of the event, a total of 371,178 vehicles were recorded at nine key entry points—an increase of 10.8% or nearly 36,000 vehicles compared to the previous five-year average. The previous five-year average for the same six-day period stood at 334,934 vehicles,
Wednesday, Aug. 6 saw 59,414 vehicles enter Sturgis which is 9.7% higher than the 5 year average.
To date, Monday, August 4, marking the highest single-day count so far with just under 69,000 vehicles which is 19% above the average.
The Meade County Sheriff’s Office statistics for Wednesday reported 168 calls for service, up 98 from 2024. Deputies made 66 traffic stops 36 more than a year ago. There were 5 DIU arrests compared to 2 last year and 4 drug arrests down 1 from 2024. The Meade County Jail booked 44 individuals
As the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally rolls into its final days, the South Dakota Highway Patrol has released updated Rally Tally of safety and enforcement statistics covering the period from 6 a.m. Saturday, August 2, through 6 a.m. Thursday, August 7.
Key Enforcement Totals include:
- DUI Arrests: 87 (down from 100 in 2024)
- Misdemeanor Drug Arrests: 169
- Felony Drug Arrests: 67
- Total Citations Issued: 1,024
- Warnings Issued: 3,063
Thus far troopers have responded to 50 injury accidents, up 24 from 2024, 20 non-injury accidents and 2 fatalities from 2 separate fatal accidents.
The Patrol reported Multiple motorcycle crashes Wednesday, August 6, involving serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Incidents ranged from medical emergencies and loss of control on curves to collisions with guardrails and uneven road surfaces. Helmets played a critical role in reducing injury severity, though several riders were not wearing them.
- A rider on Vanocker Canyon Road was airlifted after failing to navigate a curve.
- A collision on SD Highway 44 involved a medical emergency and multiple injuries.
- A crash on US Highway 16/385 left a passenger pinned under a motorcycle.
- Several other accidents occurred on highways including US 85, I-190, and Norris Peak Road.
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