Highway Patrol Encouraging Safe Holiday Travel Habits

Pierre, S.D. – As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel, the South Dakota Highway Patrol is preparing for heavier traffic and reminding drivers that safe decisions behind the wheel are critical to keeping the holiday weekend tragedy-free.

“Memorial Day weekend kicks off the busy summer travel season, and we want everyone to reach their destination safely,” said South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Casey Collins. “South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers will be conducting high visibility enforcement operations throughout the holiday weekend to keep our roadways safe. We need drivers to do their part too: slow down, buckle up, put down distractions, and never drive impaired. Those simple decisions save lives.”

Troopers will be increasing patrols across the state, focusing on speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt use, and distracted driving, all factors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes.

The 2026 Memorial Day holiday period for reporting motor vehicle traffic crashes will span 78 hours beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22nd and ending at midnight on Monday, May 25th.

During last year’s reporting period, there were 115 reported traffic crashes resulting in 27 injuries and zero deaths.  Of the twenty-seven injured, 23 were motor vehicle occupants and 16 (69.6%) wore a seatbelt. The others injured were one ATV/UTV rider, two motorcyclists and one pedestrian. 

“Memorial Day reminds us how precious life is,” said Office of Highway Safety Director Robert Weinmeister. “That’s why it’s so important that every driver takes responsibility on the road. A few simple choices can prevent a crash and save a life. It starts with you.”

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check road conditions before departing by visiting www.sd511.org or dialing 511.

Whether traveling across the state or just across town, the message remains the same: make it a safe start to the summer.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Office of Highway Safety are agencies of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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