Safe 2 Sturgis Means Increased Traffic for Everyone on the Road

As motorcyclists travel through North Dakota for the 79th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota from August 2 through 11, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) wants to remind all drivers to watch for increased traffic on the roads before and after the rally.

NDDOT and partnering states like South Dakota and Wyoming will use banners at rest areas, as well as social media, to promote the message of “Live to ride. Ride to live. Safe 2 Sturgis”.

In North Dakota in 2018, nearly 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes resulted in injury or death, and 69% of those fatalities were not wearing helmets. Everyone in North Dakota can help meet the Vision Zero goal of zero motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads by taking personal responsibility when traveling and following these tips:

Tips for motorists to prevent a crash with a motorcyclist:

• Look twice for motorcycles. Check all mirrors and blind spots when entering an intersection, changing lanes, passing or turning.
• Stay back. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than a vehicle.
• Do not share the lane. Motorcycles have the same right-of-way as any other vehicle, including the full lane width.
• Actively watch for motorcycles that may be hidden.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety on the roads by:

• Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet and full protective gear. Compliant helmets are labeled with a sticker on the back that reads “DOT.”
• Wearing brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Taking a rider safety course.
• Obeying all traffic laws and being properly licensed.
• Using hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
• Riding distraction free.
• Always riding sober.