OFF THE WIRE
Grant Rodgers
desmoinesregister.com
An upcoming campaign by the Iowa State Patrol focusing on impaired motorcyclists will be the second of its kind this summer.
Troopers will be conducting special patrols on certain highways and major roadways surrounding Iowa motorcycle events, including the upcoming Across the Border Motorcycle Rally, according to a press release. The event will be held at the Taylor County Fairgrounds between August 2 and 4.
In creating the enforcement campaign, the Iowa State Patrol is hoping to remind motorcyclists to avoid drinking and driving, according to the release.
“It takes coordination, balance and, most importantly, good judgement to ride a motorcycle,” said Patrol Sgt. Scott Bright in the release. “The solution is simple – if you plan to drink, do not plan to ride.”
In addition, the extra troopers will provide increased traffic monitoring around motorcycle events to ensure safety for motorcycles and other vehicles.
Of the 55 motorcycle riders killed in Iowa crashes in 2010, 25 percent had blood alcohol levels of .08 or above, according to the release. During the same year, 42 percent of the 1,921 killed nationally had a blood alcohol level of .08 or above.
