Drunk driving at the Sturgis Rally continues year after year - KOTA Territory News

Drunk driving at the Sturgis Rally continues year after year

As rally weekend approaches, law enforcement agencies are preparing to crack down on one of the biggest dangers on the streets. Drunk drivers are nothing new to Sturgis, but it's a danger that doesn't appear to be slowing.

The memory of rallies past brings fond memories of reckless behavior back to Mike Geis.

"You came here to drink beer and ride around on your motorcycle. That's what you did!" said Geis, visiting from Minnesota.

But 22 years and three DWI's later, Geis has a different outlook.

"Now adays you can't do it, you'll go to jail. It took me three before I dummied up and it cost me a lot of money," said Geis.

And others who have been caught behind the wheel know that the rally atmosphere makes it difficult to make the right decision.

"They don't want to leave their bike behind, its their prized possession. Macho guys, beers and women, it's part of the thing," said Steve Riordan, who also had been convicted of a DUI.

State's attorney Kevin Krull says there's already been 168 DUI arrests since the rally began. He says they're seeing an average of 40 arrests per day.

"In addition to criminal record, you'll have to pay an attorney, and it could effect your drivers license status, your job, your next job," said Krull.

Temporary workers account for some of the impaired drivers on the road, but they're often the ones in fear for their safety as well.

"They get off and have a couple beers. If they don't have a ride, they're going to take the chance and go home drinking," said Roger Olson, a rally vendor.

"You never know, people here like to say 'I ride faster, I have a faster bike than you' but it may be a problem for us who drive a car," said Inanc Sener, a rally vendor.

For Geis and others who've been tempted to test their luck behind the wheel, the risk often far outweighs the perceived convenience.

"It's their life, if they kill someone, they have to live with it the rest of their life," said Geis.

If you're arrested with a DUI during the rally, you can expect to see a judge the next morning to address bond. The maximum penalty for first time offenders is one year in jail or a $2000 fine. Krull says so far, this years DUI arrests are on par with last years.