Rock Creek, MN (July 7, 2026) – A motorcycle and an SUV collided on Interstate 35 near Highway 70 in Rock Creek on Sunday afternoon, July 5, leaving one person injured.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the collision happened around 2:07 p.m. A 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and a Harley-Davidson Road King were traveling southbound on Interstate 35 north of Highway 70 when they collided while attempting to avoid slowing traffic. The driver of the Jeep, 42-year-old Raul Rivas of Hugo, was not injured.
Passengers, including a 41-year-old woman, a 61-year-old woman, a 12-year-old girl, and a 6-year-old girl, were also reported uninjured. Information regarding the motorcyclist’s identity and the extent of the rider’s injuries was not included in the report, though the incident was classified as an injury crash. We hope those injured recover fully and quickly.
Why Slow Traffic Can Increase the Risk of Highway Crashes
Sudden traffic slowdowns on highways can create hazardous conditions when drivers have little time to react. Vehicles and motorcycles traveling at highway speeds may need to brake quickly, increasing the chance of rear-end or side-impact collisions.
Maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert to changing traffic patterns can help drivers respond more safely when congestion develops. Motorcyclists and drivers alike benefit from leaving extra space between vehicles, especially in areas where traffic may slow unexpectedly.
