Beware of motorcycles on the road
As the 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally prepares to roar into life on August 1 in Sturgis, South Dakota, safety concerns are at the forefront of everyone's minds. The event, one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the world, is expected to attract thousands of bikers from across the globe.
Capt. Erik Jorgensen, of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, is urging drivers to exercise extra caution as motorcyclists make their way to and from the rally, particularly in the Sheridan region. The influx of bikers is a significant increase in traffic, and with it comes an increased risk of accidents.
In Sturgis, South Dakota, safety precautions during the rally include classes like motorcycle de-escalation, aimed at promoting rider safety, and a strong law enforcement presence to enforce traffic rules. However, it's important to note that South Dakota's law enforcement is generally described as lenient compared to other rallies. Nevertheless, riders are still advised to follow standard road safety to avoid tickets or worse.
When it comes to helmet laws, South Dakota requires helmets for riders under 18, but there is no universal helmet law for all riders. On the other hand, Wyoming requires helmets for riders under 21, but riders 21 and older are not required by law to wear helmets if they have at least two years of riding experience or hold a motorcycle endorsement for at least one year.
It's crucial for motorcyclists to adhere to the helmet laws of the state they are riding in during the rally. While no specific changes or unique helmet requirements specific to the Sturgis Rally in Wyoming were found, the mixture of many riders and dense crowds calls for caution and adherence to traffic laws.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. The fatality rate for motorcyclists not wearing helmets is significantly higher in states without universal helmet laws. In 2022, 54% of motorcyclists killed in states without universal helmet laws were not wearing helmets, compared to just 11% in states with universal helmet laws.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been associated with an increase in fatal traffic crashes involving motorcyclists. Many fatal crashes involving motorcyclists occur in the weeks before and after the rally, with Wyoming being one of the states where many motorcyclists were found not wearing helmets.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, initially a small race for local club members, has grown into one of the largest motorcycle events in the world. The 75th anniversary rally in 2015 attracted a record 739,000 attendees. This year, as the world's bikers gather in Sturgis, let's ensure that safety is at the heart of the celebration.
- Given the increased risk of accidents during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, riders are strongly advised to prioritize safety and follow traffic laws, including wearing helmets where required.
- The mixture of many riders and dense crowds at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally calls for extra caution, especially for those states without universal helmet laws, as motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes, with a higher fatality rate for those not wearing helmets.
