Personnel updates July 4 to July 17, 2014

July 28, 2014

Information provided by the Office of Employee Services

Zero Fatalities Message Monday - July 28, 2014

July 28, 2014

There are a multitude of distractions in our world. It takes a real effort to reduce these distractions and focus exclusively on the task of driving when you are behind the wheel. Texting while driving gets a lot of attention as a serious distraction, but anything that takes your focus off the road is a distraction. For more information, statistics and public service videos on distracted driving, check out www.distraction.gov.

Even Mater from the CARS movies knows that only bad guys drive distracted. http://youtu.be/i_Yna_VYECg

Wander off the beaten path to find Iowa’s scenic side

July 24, 2014

Beautiful land, that’s the definition of the word Iowa (according to the 1987 General Assembly).  Summer is half way over, but there’s still a lot of time to get out and enjoy the treasures Iowa has to offer. The Iowa DOT is making exploring the state’s beauty a little easier by designating routes as scenic or heritage byways. Today, Iowa has nine state-designated byways and two nationally designated byways.

Zero Fatalities Message Monday - July 21, 2014

July 21, 2014

Did you know semi trucks comprise nearly 33 percent of the traffic volume on Interstate 80? 

Iowa’s interstates are a vital link to freight movement, not just within our state, but throughout the entire country and beyond.  Learning how to safely share the road with semis is especially important for those who drive on the interstates frequently.  

Here are a few tips when sharing the road with semis:           

• When passing a semi, do not linger to either side of the larger vehicle.
• Most semi drivers prefer to drive in the right lane, so allow them room to move over so you can pass on the left if necessary.
• Maintain a consistent speed at or near the speed limit.  Do not increase your speed over the speed limit just to pass a semi and then reduce it again once you are in front of the truck.  
• Do not tailgate a semi.
• Semis need a wide area to turn at stop signs.  Give them extra space.

 And most importantly:           

• If you cannot see the semi driver in the side mirror, the semi driver cannot see you.

Here is a link to a video sponsored by the California DOT that gives an excellent description of the “No Zone” from a truck driver’s point of view. 

http://youtu.be/GgJBeC4dWBM

Iowa's Great White Way

July 21, 2014

Guest blog by Liz Gilman
Founding Board Member, White Pole Road Development Corporation 

Last year you may remember celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of the Iowa DOT and another famous auto trail—the Lincoln Highway. But did you realize the first official state route in Iowa was actually another lesser-known stretch of road? 

Yep, it was the Great White Way, also known as The White Pole Road. 

Engineers Without Borders - Iowa DOTer part of group bringing water to remote village in Ghana

July 14, 2014

To build a better world, that’s the mission of Engineers Without Borders-USA. When you hear that someone wants to build a better world, what does that look like to you? To Justin Sencer, transportation engineer manager in the Office of Bridges and Structures, it looks like a better and safer water system for a small African village of Ullo, Ghana.