Roadside chat - Lead foot is a curable disease. Slow down

September 10, 2021

We’ve all been very aware of the health issues swirling around the world related to COVID-19, but with so much of the attention being placed on the pandemic, we can’t forget that there are other public health issues out there, as well.  

Obviously “lead foot” isn’t a real disease, but it is a mindset that can be cured. The bottom line is that speeding to get where you’re going quicker doesn’t justify the risk you pose to yourself and those on the road around you.

Personnel updates for August 20 to September 2, 2021

September 9, 2021

Information supplied by the Bureau of Budget and Business Systems

New edge rut chute keeps workers and motorists safer

September 7, 2021

NOTE: Innovation often happens as a progression over time. Little improvements that are passed organically are combined with other improvements gradually changing the way we do business. Often times we are unaware of everyone involved with the innovation.  Since this article was originally posted, we’ve heard from several of our innovators in Iowa DOT garages including those in Denison, Ida Grove, Pacific Junction, and Boone who have fabricated other edge rut chutes designed to make the work of our maintenance crews easier and more efficient. We apologize for anyone who was unintentionally not recognized in the article and we're proud of all of our innovators who take on challenges and solve problems in the name of making lives better through transportation. Thanks to all of the dedicated employees for their creativity!

As you’re driving along you probably don’t think much about the edge of the road and the rock that transitions between the paved shoulder and the ditch. The rock is meant to help you safely transition back onto the pavement. However, sometimes that rock settles or is moved by weather or traffic causing a rut to develop along the pavement. When this happens that rut may catch your tire and pull your vehicle in an unexpected way, potentially causing a safety issue.

Roadside chat - Been drinking? Toss me the keys, come ride with me

September 3, 2021

What are friends for? Turns out they can be lifesavers. We’re nearing the end of summer and many of us have a three-day weekend ahead. If that long weekend includes gatherings that involve drinking alcohol, be a friend and make sure those you care about have a safe, sober ride home.

Over the Labor Day weekend in 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted on its website, https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over, that 451 traffic deaths were recorded in the three-day period. Of those, 45 percent involved a driver who had been drinking and 38 percent with a driver who was legally drunk.

September 2021 Service awards

September 1, 2021

Information provided by the Budget and Business Systems Bureau

Roadside Chat - Eyes up - phone down, school buses are around

August 27, 2021

Many of Iowa’s school districts began the 2021-22 academic year this week. With the start of school, it’s time to brush up on the rules of the road related to when it is legal to pass a stopped school bus.

Here are the general guidelines.