State Highway Patrol urges biker safety as Sturgis rally approaches

OFF THE WIRE
South Dakota may not have a helmet law for motorcyclists, but that doesn't mean bikers shouldn't wear them, according to state Highway Patrol officials.

"As fun as motorcycles are, you're very vulnerable if you're riding one," Major Randy Hartley, acting superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, said in a news release. "The best protection for anyone on a motorcycle is a helmet."

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

"When the rally approaches, we see increased bike traffic mixing with the already heavy summer motorist travel," Hartley said. "Bikers and motorists can increase their chances of staying safe as they travel if they make an extra effort to be aware of each other and respectful of each other's presence on the road."

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.
The Sturgis rally officially begins Aug. 9 and concludes Aug. 15.