Northwest Iowa — Thousands of people from around the region will be in the Iowa Great Lakes this weekend for the annual University of Okoboji Winter Games, and law enforcement will be out in force in an effort to keep people safe.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kevin Krull talks about the Patrol’s role at this weekend’s U of O Winter Games.
(As above) “We’re going to partner up with DNR and we’re going to partner with the local officers, as well, by doing some enforcement of the laws inside the Winter Games. Making sure everybody stays safe on their ATVs, snowmobiles and such, as well as on their travels into the state through the highways and county roads.”
Trooper Krull acknowledges that the U of O Winter Games is a party atmosphere, but stresses that doesn’t mean there are no rules.
(As above) “That’s exactly right. We want everybody to be able to enjoy the time and have a good time, but we find that oftentimes people forget that the ATVs and snowmobiles carry the same type of laws when it comes to the OWIs. You can’t be impaired and drive those any more than you can on your vehicle. Those are important things to remember. We’re asking people to make sure that…we just had a registration come due, so make sure you have those registered. In talking with my partners from the DNR, they tell me that’s one of the big things they’re going to be looking at is registrations, and obviously we have the need to make sure that you have them insured and what not.”
He says one of the most important things you can do before you take out your ATV or snowmobile, is familiarize yourself with the local ordinances pertaining to them.
(As above) “I highly suggest you look up the local ordinances because each area has just a little bit different (laws). But for the most part, do things that are safe and do things, common-sense-wise, do the safe things. One of those things is the ATVs are NOT allowed on State highways. You can ride them on a lot of different roads…each county has it’s own little ordinance that way…but ATVs are not allowed to be driven on the roadways that are designated State highways. So the main drags through towns are going to be off limits for people using those (ATVs), so you will find yourself in a lot of trouble if you find yourself on those roads.”
Trooper Krull suggests you either scout out a LEGAL route to get from where you’re staying to the lake, or trailer your ATV to the lake and ride it there. He also warns against carrying more passengers than your ATV is designed for.
(As above) “If it’s designated for one person on that vehicle, just because you can put a couple people on the front handlebars, or the rack on the back, doesn’t mean that’s the legal thing to do. I know a lot of people get stopped and issued citations for riding too many people on an ATV, so keep that in mind when you’re riding these, as well.”
Trooper Krull says the bottom line is have fun, but use common sense and be safe.
The 2021 University of Okoboji Winter Games kicked off Thursday and will wrap up early Sunday evening.
