Dinner's going to have to wait

September 24, 2018

It was Nov. 20, 2012. Mary Litterer had all the makings of Thanksgiving dinner in the trunk of her Lincoln Continental as she drove west on the Avenue of the Saints from Charles City. When she neared the intersection near Floyd going 60 miles per hour, life changed in an instant.

“I can’t figure out how he didn’t see me,” said Mary of the 76-year-old driver who crossed her path. “It was 6 p.m. in November, so it was dark, but he had to have seen my headlights coming at him when he entered the intersection.”

Although she had only seconds to react before crashing broadside into the van that was crossing in front of her, she said, “All I could think about was trying to miss the driver’s side door so the crash wouldn’t kill the driver.”

Message Monday - Buckle in backseat required under 18, smart for all

September 24, 2018

It’s Child Passenger Safety Week. This is a great time to take a minute to make sure your kids are riding in a seat best for their height, weight, and age.

Most parents are great at making sure the little ones are as safe as possible in the back seat. But what about older kids or adult passengers back there?

Personnel Updates for Aug. 24 – Sept. 6, 2018

September 17, 2018

 Information provided by the Office of Employee Services

Message Monday - If you bought it, trucks brought it. Give them space

September 17, 2018

With nearly 20,000 trucking companies operating on Iowa’s 114,383 miles of roadways, it’s a pretty good bet you’ll encounter a large truck just about any time you’re on the road. Next time you come upon a semi, take a minute to think about the professional driver behind the wheel. Remember that their visibility is quite different than that of a four or two-wheeled vehicle. Make sure to give them the room they need to adequately see you and safely maneuver down the road.

Message Monday - Drive like your grandparents and live to be one

September 10, 2018

When you were a teenager, did you think it was torture to have to ride with your grandparents? Most grandparents have been driving for many years and have likely learned some valuable lessons along the way. Obeying the speed limit, buckling up, and not driving aggressively are just a few of the reasons Nana and Papa may still be around to give you a ride to basketball practice or a friend’s house.

Personnel Updates for Aug. 10 – Aug. 23, 2018

September 4, 2018

Information provided by the Office of Employee Services

How many DOTers does it take to fix a bridge?

September 4, 2018

You might not even realize the role you play in keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently, but at the end of the day, each one of us is responsible for some piece of the mobility puzzle.  

Take this scenario for instance. Someone hauling a large piece of equipment forgets to lower the boom. You can imagine the damage that can cause when the truck goes under a bridge that isn’t as tall as the equipment. If the bridge is one of ours, this all-too-common scenario starts a chain of events within the Iowa Department of Transportation that either benefits from or impacts the work you do every day, whether you realize it or not.

SEPTEMBER 2018 SERVICE AWARDS

September 4, 2018

Information provided by the Office of Employee Services

Message Monday - Drinking and driving can kill a friendship

September 3, 2018

You know that one friend who you can count on to tell you when you have something in your teeth? That’s the same person you want with you when you’ve been drinking and still think it’s a good idea to get behind the wheel. That’s the kind of friend who will have a tough conversation with you and find you a sober ride home.