RAPID CITY, S.D. – Multiple motorcycle fatalities prior to the official beginning of the 86^th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally have prompted law enforcement to ask both motorcyclists and drivers to be extra cautious during the busiest time of the summer driving season.

The rally officially starts Friday, but the hills are busy with rally and tourist traffic.

On Thursday, two people from Illinois died in a three-vehicle crash near Hill City. Another two-vehicle crash near Deadwood claimed two people from Colorado.

On the same day, A Sioux Falls woman died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash near Sturgis when a motorcyclist failed to negotiate a curve.

“We have seen numerous significant crashes in the left several days, many of them resulting in a fatality, due to a variety of circumstances,” Lt. Jason Mitzel, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said.

Mitzel said several factors could be contributing to the crashes – speed, alcohol, inexperienced riders, and lack of safety gear. The recent accidents are still under investigation, but it doesn’t appear there’s a common thread.

“We just ask people to slow down, give yourself a little distance and pay attention to those speed limits and make sure you’re wearing your safety gear,” Mitzel said.

Both motorcyclists and those driving cars need to show extra caution on Black Hills’ roads.

“Roads in general in the Black Hills are dangerous because there’s a lot of curves in the road,” Mitzel said. “You get that with inexperienced riders who come here who are more used to flat areas or straight roads. So again, just slow down and pay attention.”