By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
Speed-limit signs posted on the county's rural roads may read 30 mph, but authorities say some drivers are taking the curves on two-lane highways faster than on Central Expressway.
After a rise in complaints from county residents, the Collin County sheriff's office will add a motorcycle officer in August to patrol the county's rural roads.
Two years ago, residents called in one or two speeding complaints a month. Then one or two a week. Now, dispatchers receive that many calls a day, sheriff's officials said.
A deputy will divide time between the Harley-Davidson and a patrol car. Federal grant money paid the $23,300 for the motorcycle and equipment.
"The goal is not to sit out on U.S. 75 and run speed traps," said Sheriff's Maj. Chuck Ruckle, who oversees operations. "It's to get out into the communities where our problems lie."
Officials from cities without police departments hope the motorcycle patrol will curb speeders who drive 40 or 50 mph over the limit.
"The further you get out in the county, people don't think we have speed-limit laws," said Lucas Mayor Tom Fleps.
Speeders are a common problem on FM1378, also known as Country Club Road, in Lucas.
Other common speed spots include Tarvin Road outside of McKinney, Stinson Road in Lucas and FM2862 in Westminster.
"There's a lot of people out there not necessarily driving safely," Maj. Ruckle said.
"It seems like every time we send a unit by there, nobody speeds. Then, as soon as we leave, it starts again."
Officials hope the motorcycle will blend in more easily or even hide among the trees.
City Secretary Eddie Sturgal of Lowry Crossing said some people drive 70 and 80 mph on Bridgefarmer Road, where the posted limit is 30. There were seven accidents there in June.
"Somebody's going to get killed out here. We've got to do something about it," Mr. Sturgal said.
The Sheriff's Department also wants the motorcycle officer to get to know the community. Maj. Ruckle said children tend to be drawn to motorcycles and ask questions. He hopes the interaction will lead to a relationship with the neighborhoods.
Speed-limit signs posted on the county's rural roads may read 30 mph, but authorities say some drivers are taking the curves on two-lane highways faster than on Central Expressway.
After a rise in complaints from county residents, the Collin County sheriff's office will add a motorcycle officer in August to patrol the county's rural roads.
Two years ago, residents called in one or two speeding complaints a month. Then one or two a week. Now, dispatchers receive that many calls a day, sheriff's officials said.
A deputy will divide time between the Harley-Davidson and a patrol car. Federal grant money paid the $23,300 for the motorcycle and equipment.
"The goal is not to sit out on U.S. 75 and run speed traps," said Sheriff's Maj. Chuck Ruckle, who oversees operations. "It's to get out into the communities where our problems lie."
Officials from cities without police departments hope the motorcycle patrol will curb speeders who drive 40 or 50 mph over the limit.
"The further you get out in the county, people don't think we have speed-limit laws," said Lucas Mayor Tom Fleps.
Speeders are a common problem on FM1378, also known as Country Club Road, in Lucas.
Other common speed spots include Tarvin Road outside of McKinney, Stinson Road in Lucas and FM2862 in Westminster.
"There's a lot of people out there not necessarily driving safely," Maj. Ruckle said.
"It seems like every time we send a unit by there, nobody speeds. Then, as soon as we leave, it starts again."
Officials hope the motorcycle will blend in more easily or even hide among the trees.
City Secretary Eddie Sturgal of Lowry Crossing said some people drive 70 and 80 mph on Bridgefarmer Road, where the posted limit is 30. There were seven accidents there in June.
"Somebody's going to get killed out here. We've got to do something about it," Mr. Sturgal said.
The Sheriff's Department also wants the motorcycle officer to get to know the community. Maj. Ruckle said children tend to be drawn to motorcycles and ask questions. He hopes the interaction will lead to a relationship with the neighborhoods.