Highway Patrol ramping up for Sturgis Rally

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is preparing for a busy week, especially in northeast Wyoming, as the annual motorcycle rally gets underway in Sturgis, South Dakota. That event is schedule to run from August 2 through August 11.

The Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be on the watch for motorcycle traffic.

“We have a lot of motorcyclists converging in one area during that week,” said WHP Lt. Kyle McKay. “Motorists need to be patient with the extra traffic this time of year. Motorcyclists also need to give themselves a little bit more space between themselves and other motorists on the highway to ensure everyone is safe.”

McKay offered some basic tips:

Motorists should:

Stay alert when they see a motorcycle’s turn signal activated. Motorcycle turn signals can be non-canceling, which means the rider may have forgotten to turn it off. Before proceeding, motorists should make sure the motorcycle is turning. Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections. Be extra careful at intersections. A driver should look for other motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists before proceeding through the intersection. Allow a greater following distance behind a motorcycle. Give about a three-to-four-second following distance. That will give the motorist more time to maneuver or stop behind a motorcycle in an emergency.

Motorcyclists should:

Wear high-visibility clothing, a helmet, and other safety protection when driving. Keep their headlight on to provide them with even more visibility. Check their motorcycles to ensure they are safe for the road. Know local traffic laws. Obey traffic lights, speeds, and signs. Commit to riding alcohol and drug-free.