Highway Patrol urging drivers to be safer after two major accidents in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - On Tuesday of this week there was an incident on Haines Avenue where an SUV crashed into an apartment building. Thursday another car crashed into a pole before going airborne near Sheridan Lake Road. Highway Patrol is urging those on the road to drive safer.

According to Drive Safe South Dakota, in 2022, 47 people died due to speeding-related incidents and another 325 were killed or injured due to distracted driving-related crashes. On Tuesday night, an SUV crashed into an apartment complex on Haines Avenue, claiming the lives of two people in the vehicle and another person injured.

As of now the cause of the crash is uncertain, but Trooper Jeremy Biegert says this serves as a reminder to follow simple safety tips while driving.

“It’s getting to be pretty common that we do see drivers that are either using their cell phone or doing something else. Not leaving enough time to get where they’re going so they’re trying to take care of something else while they’re driving,” Biegert said.

Another fatal accident occurred Thursday evening when a car hit a pole on Sheridan Lake Road causing the vehicle to go airborne and leave the car wrecked. Roy McLaws, an auto body specialist, was on the scene trying to pull the passenger out of the wreckage. He spoke about what accidents cost, not only to your car but your life.

“In this situation, this person was driving way too fast and what comes to my mind is how fast things actually happen. I mean seeing a car flying through the air is just a split moment. I’ve seen it first hand and it doesn’t make my heart happy to see people in pain,” McLaws said.

There have been 16 accidents alone reported between April 8 and April 11 according to RCPD call logs. Biegert also encouraged drivers to be more aware of their surroundings, giving themselves enough space to stop their vehicles, as well as making sure their cars are up to date in case of any weather emergencies.

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