Archives: August 2017
Getting creative to keep travelers moving during construction season
August 31, 2017
With more than $680 million in Iowa Department of Transportation construction projects in the works this construction season, detours have popped up all over the state. For most, driving a few miles out of the way for a while isn’t a big deal. But in some parts of rural Iowa where there aren’t as many detour options, the inconveniences can make a big impact on time, money, and frustration for travelers.
Iowa DOT highlights technology in an unexpected setting
August 29, 2017
Many times at the Iowa Department of Transportation, we go about getting the job done, not always realizing that some of the work we’re accomplishing could be breaking new ground.
The Iowa DOT, like every other state’s transportation agency, is part of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Within AASHTO there are several committees and subcommittee that meet periodically to share ideas and best practices. Recently, the subcommittees on Design and Environment both met in Des Moines, where the Iowa DOT was able to showcase some of our work during technical tours held at Living History Farms.
You might think Living History Farms is a strange place to highlight what is being done in Iowa in the transportation engineering and environmental fields. However, the location ended up being perfect for the engineers and also for the environmental folks visiting from other states.
Message Monday - Yellow bus and red lights mean stop
August 28, 2017
To pass or not to pass, that is the question. The laws about when it is legal to pass a stopped school bus can be confusing. The Iowa Department of Transportation has developed this graphic to help you know when Iowa law allows you to drive past a school bus that is stopped, has lights flashing, and a stop arm out.
For the actual text of Iowa’s school bus passing law, go to legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/section/321.372.pdf
Iowa’s laws are in place to protect our children. The threat of a child being hit is disturbing, let alone watching it happen. Hear from a school bus driver who witnessed it happen and find out why motorists need to use caution around busses- http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2016/08/19/school-bus-stopping-law-backfires-data-suggest/88303554/
The fatality count of 205 is an increase of 13 since last Monday. In all of 2016, 404 people were killed on Iowa highways. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf.
Message Monday - Put down the phone or we will turn off the sun
August 21, 2017
Remember when you were a kid and your parents would threaten to take something away if you didn’t use that item in a responsible way? Well, using your phone behind the wheel is kinda like that.
Today has the potential to be one of the worst distracted driving days we’ve seen. For the first time in nearly 100 years, there will be a nationwide eclipse of the sun. And people have cell phones. And they like to take photos. Sometimes when they are driving. The combination can be deadly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in distracted driving crashes EVERY DAY.
Personnel Updates for July 28 – Aug. 10, 2017
August 17, 2017
Information provided by the Office of Employee Services
Skype meetings provide a better way to connect
August 17, 2017
One of the challenges we face at the Iowa DOT is connecting our workforce that is spread out over more than 100 locations across the state. Our work often crosses several offices and divisions making quick and easy communication more important than ever. Recent updates and new tools allow you to collaborate with all Iowa DOT offices around the state virtually, often eliminating the extra time and expense of travel.
Whether you just need to bounce an idea off someone or conduct a formal presentation to dozens of people, using Skype for Business meetings is a tool every Iowa DOTer with an Office365 license can access. If you have an Iowa DOT email address, you have an Office365 license and access to Skype meetings.
Message Monday - Sleep deprived is no way to drive
August 14, 2017
Do you sometimes wonder if the Sandman is on vacation? In our busy world, there are often nights when we have too much going on to get a full eight hours of sleep. If sleep deprivation is “normal” for you, you could be overlooking the dangers of not being alert behind the wheel.
Drowsy driving is not just falling asleep at the wheel. It is a profound impairment that mimics alcohol-impaired driving in many ways. Drowsiness leads to slower reaction times, and impaired attention, mental processing, judgment, and decision making. Drowsiness can occur from accumulating sleep debt (typically less than 6 hours a night) across multiple nights, or from only one night of not sleeping.
Personnel updates for July 14 -27, 2017
August 8, 2017
Information provided by the Office of Employee Services
Message Monday - Pay attention in work zones. It's free
August 7, 2017
Free – who doesn’t like free? Paying attention doesn’t take money or even much skill. All you need is the desire to put aside distractions and focus on being safe behind the wheel.
Not only is paying attention free, it could SAVE you money. Did you know fines double if you’re charged with a moving violation, which includes texting, in a work zone? If you can avoid paying a fee, why wouldn’t you?