Archives: August 2014
Personnel updates Aug. 1 - 14, 2014
August 25, 2014
This information supplied by the Office of Employee Services
Zero Fatalities Message Monday - August 25, 2014
August 25, 2014
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2012 alone, 3,328 were killed in distracted driving crashes. In a recent national survey, 71 percent of teens and young people say they have composed/sent text messages while driving, and 78 percent of teens say they have read a text message while driving.
http://youtu.be/S_-6EoNhitg
An open-ended ice-bucket challenge to all Iowa DOTers
August 22, 2014
For Ray Halterman, executive officer in traffic operations, the latest Internet sensation, the ice bucket challenge for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has hit very close to home. Ray’s nephew, Greg Leonard, was diagnosed with ALS in December 2012. The disease has progressed quickly to the point that Greg is in a wheel chair, has a device implanted in his chest and a tracheostomy to help with bodily functions.
Zero Fatalities Message Monday - Aug. 18, 2014
August 18, 2014
School is already in session in many Iowa districts and more are set to start this week. That means school buses are sharing the road with all the other traffic. Do you know when it is legal to pass a stopped school bus?
Crops are getting taller creating hazards at rural intersections and railroad crossings
August 14, 2014
Knee high by the 4th of July has turned into way above your head in August. This time of year crops such as corn and other vegetation growing near rural intersections can cause problems for drivers who may not be able to see vehicles coming from side roads or oncoming trains at rural railroad crossings.
Lives are changed when customer service gets personal
August 12, 2014
There’s just something special about holding something “official” in your hand that says, “Yep, that’s who I am.”
Sixteen-year-old Tyler Cross wasn’t sure that moment would ever come. Tyler, who suffers from a rare disease known as epidermolysis bullosa (see note below), is a long-time patient at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. Over the years, Tyler has developed a relationship with a Des Moines police officer. That officer contacted the Iowa DOT about the possibility of getting Tyler an ID card, even though he can't leave the hospital.
Personnel updates July 18 - 31, 2014
August 11, 2014
This information provided by the Office of Employee Services
Zero Fatalities Message Monday - Aug. 11, 2014
August 11, 2014
Sober drivers save lives. More than 10,000 people die each year because drivers make the decision to get behind the wheel while drunk or high. Driving while impaired is not only one of the deadliest and most often committed crimes, it has become a serious safety epidemic in our country.
The 2014 national drunk driving enforcement crackdown, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over", goes into effect across the country from Aug. 13 to Sept. 1, 2014.
http://youtu.be/3zIflGg9ceI
Iowa DOT and Special Olympics Iowa have a special bond
August 7, 2014
Don’t be surprised if you stop at Casey’s to grab a fountain drink and find Motor Vehicle Sergeant Rod Rhiner staring up at you from the cup. Rhiner, who has been associated with Special Olympics Iowa for 20 years; and one officer from the Iowa State Patrol, a county sheriff’s office, and a city law enforcement agency were photographed; and the picture was used to adorn 44-ounce fountain cups at Casey’s. Casey’s has agreed to donate 5 cents to the Special Olympics for each 44-ounce fountain drink sold between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Zero Fatalities Message Monday - Aug. 4, 2014
August 4, 2014
Keep things simple. This concept is a good one to apply to all aspects of our lives. Driving is no exception. Two of the simple and life-saving things you can do to protect yourself: buckle up and remove distractions while driving. You just might find that you’ll enjoy the drive more if you focus exclusively on it.
Staying with the theme, keep it simple……… http://youtu.be/cRrPjBxA7eM