Motorcycle Safety

In 2010, motorcycle crashes constituted for 3% of all crashes in South Dakota. In that same period of time, they made up almost 22% of all fatal crashes and 11% of all injury crashes. 27 people were killed and 569 people were injured on motorcycles in the 455 reported motorcycle crashes during 2010. While the crash records for 2011 haven't been finalized, as of November 3, 2011, South Dakota had recorded 13 fatalities and 442 injuries from motorcycle crashes.

What’s being done to keep motorcyclists safe? The most visible and important thing taking place in South Dakota is the Motorcycle Safety Training being conducted through the South Dakota Safety Council. A link to that training is just below on this page. Both Basic and Experienced Rider Training are provided through these courses. Offered throughout the State, these courses not only provide motorcycle riders with valuable information, they also provide riders with the chance to interact with other riders and levels of experience. In 2011, 1826 riders completed motorcycle safety training through the SD Safety Council. From 2007-2011, 9,416 motorcycle riders have received motorcycle safety training through the South Dakota Safety Council Rider Safety Training Courses.

A Motorcycle Program Safety Coordinator has also been added to the Office of Highway Safety.  The main responsibilities of the coordinator are to provide motorcycle education and safety programs to riders and to assist in educating motorists of the presence of motorcyclists through “Share the Road” programs. 

For riders headed to the beautiful Black Hills, ABATE of South Dakota has produced a Motorcycle Skill Rated Map of the Black Hills. This color coded skill rated map gives riders an idea of what type of road they will encounter in touring the Black Hills. The maps can be obtained through the local ABATE Chapters as well as our office. The map is small and be easily slipped into your pocket, or stowed on your bike for easy reference.

We hope you enjoy your ride while you are on South Dakota's roads and highways. Please ride prepared, ride alert, and ride safely.

SD Safety Council

Motorcycle Skill Rated Map