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1923: Mayor Hinkly orders report cards issued to drivers who violate laws

Lead Summary
By
Betty Mann, President, Rock County Historical Society

The following appeared in the Rock County Herald on August 17, 1923:
 
CITY’S POLICEMEN ARE NOW CHECKING UP MOTORISTS
 
Mayor Hinkly Orders Prosecution of Motorists Who Flagrantly Disregard Traffic Regulations
 
Convinced that violation of traffic regulations in this city are becoming daily too frequent by many motorists, Mayor R. B. Hinkly has instructed police officers to make a checking record of those guilty of violations, and thus make the city safer for both riders and pedestrians.
To carry out his purpose, the mayor has instructed Chief of Police Connell and Night Policeman Will Linville, to file reports of any cases of speeding or violation of traffic rules which may come to their attention. They have been provided with printed cards by which these gentlemen will be aided in securing all the necessary information for the prosecution of the law-breakers.
These cards when filled out will contain the name of the person driving, the number and make of his car, the time of the violation of the law, the street on which the car is traveling, the rate of speed at which it is traveling, and also information in regard to whether the head and tail lights were burning, whether lights were too bright, whether muffler was open, whether parking laws were violated, names of witnesses, and may other evidence which may be considered important.
Persons who find themselves confronted with more than one of these report cards may expect a summons to Judge N. R. Reynolds’ court, for the mayor feels that where motorists apparently refuse to observe the law through frequent violations, prosecutions must be made.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

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