Stop and Stay at the Accident Scene
It's crucial not to leave the accident scene. Ensure you're safely off the road and not obstructing traffic while assessing the situation and checking for any injuries.
South Dakota Car Crash Statistics
South Dakota presents a unique landscape for motorists, marked by its extensive rural roads and notable highways. The state experiences a high percentage of crash deaths on these rural roads, second only to Vermont in the United States. In 2021, a staggering 82% of motor vehicle crash deaths in South Dakota occurred in rural areas, underscoring the significant risks faced by drivers outside urban centers. Several factors contribute to the high incidence of traffic collisions in the state. Weather conditions, including snow and ice, often deteriorate road conditions, making driving hazardous. Additionally, South Dakota's rural nature means that emergency response times can be longer, potentially affecting the outcomes of accidents.
The state's highways, while picturesque, are also the scenes of many car accidents, with Interstate 90 being particularly noteworthy. Here, traffic volume and speeds combine to increase the likelihood of collisions.
Fatal Crashes
131
Deaths
148
Deaths per 100,000 population
16.5
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
1.48
Crash Types
148
Single-vehicle
87
Multiple-vehicle
61
Alcohol Involvement
79killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
67
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
30
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
The state's highways, while picturesque, are also the scenes of many car accidents, with Interstate 90 being particularly noteworthy. Here, traffic volume and speeds combine to increase the likelihood of collisions.
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in South Dakota
90
6 Fatalities/year
29
6 Fatalities/year
19
6 Fatalities/year
212
5 Fatalities/year
18
5 Fatalities/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in South Dakota
- In 2020, there were 17,599 motor vehicle traffic crashes, while in 2021, there were 19,464.
- In 2020, the extent of property damage resulting from motor vehicle traffic crashes was $115 million, while in 2021, it was $141 million.
- There were a total of 4462 motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020 and 4,963 in 2021.
- In 2020, the number of motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities was 141, while in 2021, it was 148.
- In 2020, the percentage of drivers in fatal crashes who had been drinking was 24.7%, while in 2021, it was 23.6%.
- In 2020, the number killed in alcohol-related crashes was 51, while in 2021, it was 56.
- In 2020, the number of injured people in alcohol-related crashes was 645, while in 2021, it was 689.
- In both 2020 and 2021, the number of pedestrians killed remained at 14.
- In 2020, the number of motorcyclists killed was 27, while in 2021, it was 22.
- In 2020, the percentage of licensed drivers under 25 was 14.7%, while in 2021, it was 14.8%.
- In 2020, 40.8% of drivers involved in crashes were under the age of 25, while in 2021, this figure increased to 42.8%.
- In 2020, 28.1% of drivers involved in crashes were under the age of 25 and had consumed alcohol, whereas in 2021, this percentage decreased to 26.0%.
- In 2020, the count of fatally injured occupants in motor vehicle accidents (excluding motorcycle, ATV, moped, and snowmobile occupants) was 96, while in 2021, it was 108.
- In 2020, the count of fatally injured occupants in motor vehicle accidents who were wearing a safety restraint (excluding moped, motorcycle, ATV, & snowmobile occupants) was 29, while in 2021, it was 66.
- In 2020, the economic loss from motor vehicle traffic crashes was $473 million, while in 2021, it was $533 million.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in South Dakota?
After a car accident in South Dakota, you should follow these steps to ensure compliance with state laws and safeguard your interests:
1
2
Exchange Information
You're required to share your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle license number with the other parties involved. It's also a good idea to gather information from witnesses.
3
Provide Immediate Assistance
If there are injuries, offer reasonable help, including transporting injured parties to receive medical treatment if necessary.
4
Report the Accident
If there's injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 for one person's property or $2,000 in total, you must report the accident to the police immediately.
5
Hitting an Unoccupied Vehicle
If you hit a parked car, try to find the owner, and if you can't, leave a note with your contact information and report the incident to the police.
6
Document the Scene
Take comprehensive photographs and videos of the accident scene, encompassing all vehicles involved, visible damages, road conditions, traffic signage, and any injuries sustained. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
7
Obtain a Police Report
If law enforcement responds to the accident, ensure you get a police report or at least the report number. This report will contain an unbiased third-party account of the accident, which is valuable for insurance and legal matters.
8
Seek Medical Attention
It is advisable to consult a doctor following an accident, regardless of whether you believe you are injured. Certain injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest immediately. Medical records will also serve as evidence if you need to make an injury claim later.
9
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Be honest about the incident, but be cautious about admitting fault until all facts are known. Your insurance company will guide you through their claim process.
10
Consider Legal Advice
If the accident involves significant property damage, injuries, or potential legal complications, consulting with a personal injury attorney can be beneficial. They can help navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.
South Dakota Driving Laws and Facts
The state of South Dakota has stringent laws that drivers should follow when operating a car to help improve road safety. Some of these laws include:
DUI Laws
South Dakota enforces strict DUI laws, with different Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits based on age and type of license. For drivers above 21, the BAC limit is 0.08%; for commercial license holders, it's 0.04%, and drivers under 21 have a BAC limit of 0.02%. Penalties for DUI offenses vary, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs or ignition interlock device installation for multiple offenses.
Window Tint Law
In South Dakota, window tinting regulations specify that the front windshield can only have a non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line. Front-side windows should permit more than 35% of light transmission, whereas back-side and rear windows must allow more than 20% of light transmission. Violations of these regulations are considered Class 2 misdemeanors.
Secure Load Law
The law requires that all loads being transported must be securely fastened to prevent them from becoming dangerous. Failure to secure loads properly can result in fines and, if it causes damage or an accident, more severe penalties.
School Bus Law
Drivers must stop for school buses when red lights are flashing, and the STOP sign is extended. Failing to stop can result in a Class 2 misdemeanor, with penalties starting at $250 and potentially including jail time.
Crash Laws
Drivers involved in accidents must stay at the scene, exchange information with other parties, and report the crash to the police if there is significant damage or injuries. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death before police arrival is a crime with severe penalties.
Move Over Law
In South Dakota, the ’move over’ law mandates that drivers must slow down and move over for stopped vehicles displaying amber, yellow, or blue warning lights. Not complying with this law is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying penalties such as a minimum fine of $270.00 and/or up to 30 days in jail. If failing to move over results in a crash, it escalates to a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Parking Laws
Specific laws regulate where and how vehicles can be parked, including restrictions on parking near fire hydrants, in no parking zones, and on private property without permission. Violations can lead to fines ranging from $40 to $100.
South Dakota Weird Traffic Laws
South Dakota has several strange traffic laws that are unique to the state.
- In South Dakota, you can legally wear radio headsets while driving.
- Driving without shoes is allowed.
- It's illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage in the car, except if it's in the trunk, away from the driver and passengers.
- Using cell phones while driving is permitted.
- Passengers are allowed to ride in the back of a pickup truck.