WDAY: Staying Safe at a Motorcyle Rally

Today, hundreds of thousands of bikers begin rolling into Sturgis, South Dakota. The annual motorcycle rally turns the town of about 7,000 people into more than 450,000 every year.

You're looking live in downtown Sturgis this morning where this year's theme is America 250. It's 10 straight days of rides through the Black Hills, concerts, and other live events. Sturgis brings in so many riders. The South Dakota Department of Transportation is even putting out temporary traffic signals and lowering speed limits on main routes throughout the area. The opening ceremony is at three this afternoon. Even with all the fun, every year, there are a lot of crashes during the Rally. Last year, four people were killed and 80 others were hurt in 66 different crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a motorcyclist is 27 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a car.

Rallies like Sturgis can cause some unique hazards that bikers don't see every day. Harley Davidson Insurance says unfamiliar routes, mixed skill levels, and people not riding sober combine to make rallies more dangerous. There are some things you can do to make sure you stay safe like driving in a staggered formation on straight roads. Then, you should go back to single file around curves or any road hazards. Also, make sure you follow at least two seconds behind the bike in front of you. The S.E.E. or "search, evaluate, execute" strategy can also be a big help for watching for potential hazards that are ahead. Even with all the precautions, a crash could still happen. That's why it is crucial to wear the proper safety gear. That's things like a helmet, a motorcycle jacket, and proper pants, as well as riding gloves. 

To watch the WDAY newscast, visit https://insight.tveyes.com/public/trial/fc53630b-87da-4bd8-b6fe-fb74e7c42c91/21822bd4-4cda-4587-befa-02140c41ab96