Clayton County, Iowa

What's New in County 22 - June 2012

This last month at the sheriff’s office we have been busy assisting with city events, tractorcades, motorcycle runs, and car cruises.  It seems like every weekend there is something going on in Clayton County.  We just finished up helping with the Romper Room Run through the county which had reports of 2,000 to 4,000 motorcycles.  Regardless of the exact figure, it was a lot of bikes!  One thing that has been noticeable is the number of fatalities and accidents involving motorcycles seem to be up throughout Iowa.  In the accidents recorded from the years 2007 to 2010, 80% of them were not wearing helmets.  And unless I stand corrected, I believe Iowa, Illinois and New Hampshire are the only three states that do not have some sort of helmet law.  Twenty states require helmet use for all riders and passengers while 27 others require helmets only for riders under age 18. 
I grew up on motorcycles and love to ride “dirt bike” on cow trails or even in my younger days tried “hill climbing”, but for some reason I have never desired to get on a highway.  I presume it is because of what I have seen on the highways and the motorcycle accidents I have been involved with, and also a part of me knowing how many deer and raccoon are running across the road.  Even though I don’t ride on the highway, I respect those that do and you should too.  The same goes for tractors in tractorcades and cars in car cruises.  These vehicles have the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway.  Here are some safety tips in case you do decide to ride in one of these events:

• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Follow all traffic laws
• Only use cell phones in case of emergency.
• Stay with assigned group
• Depart during assigned group's designated time
• Post a SMV sign if in a tractorcade
• Follow the designated route
• Drinking of Alcoholic beverages is not allowed on public roadways

If you are planning an event and would like assistance with traffic control, please give us a call ahead of time and we will do what we can to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
 
If you have any questions, or comments, feel free to contact me anytime, e-mail me, or stop by to see me.
Thanks and be safe,
 
Sheriff Mike Tschirgi

Last Updated on Thursday, 27 December 2012 10:53