Watch for bikers and save a life

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Erik Jorgensen made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss motorcycle safety. 

Motorcycle enthusiasts will begin roaring through the streets of Sturgis, S.D. on Aug. 4. According to Sturgis’ official website, the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendance was over half a million strong, and those numbers were lower than the previous year of 2021 which saw over 525,000 vehicles at the rally. 

Over the course of the next few days, bikers on their way to the 83rd Sturgis Annual Motorcycle Rally will begin to make their way through the Sheridan Region. Although traffic has been slower than usual this summer, Jorgensen reminded listeners to keep a heads up and know your surroundings, it could save a life. 

According to The United States Department of Transportation, motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2021, there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed. That’s 14% of all traffic fatalities. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data shows this is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.