Honestly, if you've lived in South Dakota for any length of time, you know the roads here aren't just a way to get from A to B. They’re a challenge. Especially this time of year. Between the unpredictable January winds and the black ice that hides in the shadows of the Black Hills, things can get dangerous fast. Lately, we’ve seen some pretty heavy news regarding recent fatal car accidents in South Dakota today and over the past week that have local families on edge.
It’s easy to see a headline and just keep scrolling. But when you look at the specifics—the names, the ages, the locations—it hits differently. It’s not just data. It’s neighbors.
What happened on US 385?
One of the most tragic incidents recently took place just about 10 miles north of Hill City. It’s a stretch of road many of us know well, especially if you’re heading up toward Deadwood or Sturgis.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol recently identified two 22-year-olds who lost their lives in a single-vehicle rollover on U.S. Highway 385. It happened late on a Saturday night, around 10:12 p.m.
Echo Orion Calatrello, a young woman from Sturgis, and Nicholas Lord Jackson, Jr., from Deadwood, were in a 2003 Toyota 4Runner traveling southbound. For some reason—and investigators are still piecing this together—the SUV drifted off the right shoulder. When the driver tried to over-correct, the vehicle tripped and rolled several times.
Basically, both of them were ejected. Neither was wearing a seat belt. It’s one of those details that makes your heart sink because you wonder if things could have ended differently if they’d just buckled up. They both died at the scene.
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The Humboldt hit-and-run search
Then there’s the case that has the Highway Patrol asking for everyone’s help. It’s a hit-and-run, which is just... it’s frustrating.
On January 3rd, 64-year-old Patricia Archambeau of Mitchell was driving her Chevy Traverse on I-90 near Humboldt. She was trying to pull off to the side of the road when she was struck by a semi-truck heading east.
The semi didn't stop.
Patricia was taken to a hospital in Sioux Falls, but she passed away from her injuries on January 5th. Now, the authorities are hunting for a red Freightliner Cascadia (likely a 2018 to 2023 model) that’s missing its passenger-side headlight. They’ve even got some grainy footage of it from a camera near 41st Street in Sioux Falls.
If you’ve seen a truck like that—especially one with a flatbed trailer and tarp-covered cargo—give the SDHP a call at (605) 367-5700. Seriously. That family deserves some closure.
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Why are these crashes happening now?
It’s tempting to blame "bad luck," but there are patterns. In South Dakota, winter driving is its own beast.
- Over-correction: Like the Hill City crash, many rollovers happen because a tire leaves the pavement and the driver jerks the wheel too hard to get back on.
- Seat Belt Usage: It sounds like a lecture, but the numbers don't lie. In many of the recent fatal car accidents in South Dakota today, the victims weren't restrained.
- The "Semi" Factor: Our interstates are major arteries for freight. When a passenger car and a semi-truck collide, the physics are never in the car's favor.
I was chatting with a friend who’s a first responder, and he said the hardest part is that many of these are "single-vehicle" incidents. No one else was involved. Just a momentary lapse in concentration or a patch of ice that wasn't there five minutes ago.
The stats you won't like
While the National Safety Council predicted about 429 traffic deaths across the country for the New Year's period, South Dakota has seen a string of fatalities that feel particularly concentrated.
About 17% of all crashes happen in snowy conditions. But here's the kicker: driving on snowy roads can make it take 10 times longer to stop. If you're going 60 mph, you aren't just stopping in a few car lengths anymore. You’re sliding for the length of a football field.
Is there a "danger zone" in the state?
People always ask where the most dangerous spots are. Honestly? It's wherever you get comfortable.
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- I-90 near Sioux Falls: High traffic volume and high speeds.
- US 14 near Pierre: We just saw a fatal crash there in late 2025 involving a 78-year-old man in a GMC Sierra.
- Black Hills Highways: Curvy roads plus shade equals persistent ice.
How to actually stay safe (No fluff)
Look, I'm not going to tell you to "drive safe." That's useless. Instead, do these specific things:
- Weight your vehicle: If you drive a RWD pickup, put some sandbags over the rear axle. It makes a world of difference for traction.
- The "Three-Second" Rule? Double it: In January, make it a six or seven-second rule.
- Check your "Date Code": Your tires might have tread, but if the rubber is seven years old, it's hard as a hockey puck. It won't grip ice.
- Ditch the Cruise Control: If you hit ice while cruise control is on, your car will try to maintain speed by spinning the wheels. That's how you end up in the ditch.
Moving forward
The investigation into the Hill City rollover is still "preliminary," which is legal-speak for "we're still looking at everything." They haven't even confirmed who was driving yet. This is common in South Dakota; it takes about 10 days for a crash report to be finalized and hit the public database at safesd.gov.
If you’re traveling through the state or just commuting to work in Rapid City or Sioux Falls, keep your head on a swivel. The recent fatal car accidents in South Dakota today are a grim reminder that the road doesn't care how good of a driver you think you are.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the South Dakota Highway Patrol Facebook page for the latest vehicle descriptions if you’re a frequent I-90 traveler.
- Verify your emergency kit has a physical blanket and a portable power bank—if you go off the road in rural SD, cell service can be spotty and the heat won't last long.
- If you witnessed any of the incidents mentioned, contact the Department of Public Safety immediately to provide your statement.