South Dakota records approximately 18,300 vehicle crashes annually with 140 fatalities reported in 2023 compared to 137 deaths in 2022, along with 4,897 injuries in 2023. Crash trends in the state have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with total crashes consistently around 18,000 per year and a fatality rate of about 1.35 per 100 million miles travelled, indicating a moderate level of risk compared to national averages. Alcohol-related crashes continue to be a concern with 34 fatal incidents and 498 fatal and injury crashes in 2023, along with 11,035 DWI arrests. A significant portion of fatal crashes occur in rural areas, largely due to higher speeds, two-lane highways and longer emergency response times. Key contributing factors include speeding, alcohol impairment, low seatbelt usage and harsh weather conditions such as snow, ice and strong winds, while vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists, face a higher risk of severe and fatal injuries, particularly on rural roads and highways.
Cars were involved in 35 fatalities, accounting for 25% of all traffic deaths in South Dakota.
Motorcycles were involved in 29 fatalities, representing 21% of traffic deaths.
Light trucks and SUVs had the highest involvement, accounting for 49 fatalities or 35% of all traffic deaths.
Buses and public transportation recorded no fatalities, making up 0% of traffic deaths.
Semi/Tractor Trailers were involved in 4 fatalities, representing 3% of traffic deaths.
Pedestrians accounted for 15 fatalities, making up 11% of all traffic deaths in South Dakota.
• The most dangerous and busiest highway in the state
• High-speed limits (up to 80 mph), severe weather and multi-vehicle pileups
• Frequent crashes due to snowstorms, fog and crosswinds
• Major north-south corridor with increasing crash incidents
• Issues include wrong-way driving, fatigue and long-distance trucking routes
• Dangerous due to poor visibility, lack of signals and rural intersections
• High risk of rear-end and side-impact crashes, especially near Aberdeen
• Known for extreme curves, tunnels and steep terrain
• Over 300 curves and narrow lanes make it one of the most challenging drives
• Narrow road with sharp turns and rock tunnels
• Increased danger during wet or winter conditions due to limited space and visibility
Single vehicle fatal car accident occurs in rural areas (Pierre, Watertown and rural highway regions).
of fatal car accidents in South Dakota happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents occur in urban cities (Sioux Falls and Rapid City).
of fatal car accidents in South Dakota happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
Oddly specific eating while driving ban — In the city of Huron, it is illegal to eat or apply makeup while driving on public roadways. While distracted driving is a serious safety concern, this law takes it a step further by actually itemizing the tasks that are prohibited while driving.
Snowmobile Operating Time Regulations – In some cities like Mitchell, it is illegal to operate a snowmobile on city streets between the hours of 1 and 6 am.
It is illegal to drive with your eyes closed in South Dakota — This one is one of those common sense type of laws that should go without saying. The only question here is, did enough people actually try this to warrant making it a law?
Motorcyclists are required by law to wear helmets only if they are under 18 — meaning adults are legally free to feel the full force of the South Dakota wind in their hair on the open highway.
Oddly specific cruising restriction - In South Dakota, it is technically illegal to show off or "parade" your vehicle on Main Street more than twice in one night. You can cruise once, cruise twice and then you have to move on.
You are required to yield to livestock on the road — Livestock like cows, horses and sheep have the legal right of way, so don't honk at that herd of cattle crossing the highway!
It is illegal to leave your car running and unattended in South Dakota — Essentially, this law makes it illegal to warm up a vehicle during South Dakota’s brutal -10°F winters without standing right next to it or sitting inside it.
South Dakota law states that if two trains meet at a crossing, neither shall proceed until the other has passed — a law that has left many legal scholars scratching their heads over the logistics!