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Archives: January 2019
A safe way to get the feel for plowing snow
January 17, 2019
Do you remember getting behind the wheel for the first time? It was likely terrifying and exciting all at the same time. Now imagine what that experience is like if the wheel is attached to a 50,000-pound snow plow and you’re headed out into your first snowstorm.
“These machines are very large and we are often working in less than ideal conditions. If the person behind the wheel isn’t adequately trained, there is a real potential for danger,” said Craig Bargfrede, Iowa Department of Transportation winter operations administrator.
Many Iowa DOT snowfighters are seasoned veterans with years of experience under their belts. Several are at or near retirement age, so we're hiring new snowfighters to keep you moving. Since getting that first feel for snowplowing isn't something we want to do in an actual storm, we’ve trained a large number of new men and women on a high-tech simulator.
Personnel Updates for Dec. 14 – Dec. 27, 2018
January 14, 2019
Information provided by the Office of Employee Services
Message Monday - If you're texting, you're not driving
January 14, 2019
You know that it’s dangerous to use your phone when you’re driving. You may have even lectured others to put the phone down when behind the wheel. But when you hear that “ding” of an incoming text message, curiosity can get the best of you.
Learning with Lynda
January 7, 2019
The world of continuing education at the Iowa DOT just got a whole lot bigger. The Iowa DOT is now offering online training using Lynda.com.
Lynda.com started in 1995 as a small online learning company for animators and multimedia production folks and has been expanded to offer hundreds of learning opportunities in software, creative and business skills.
Want to learn a new skill, move up in the agency, or just find more efficient ways to do what you already do? Lynda.com can help by guiding you through a series of classes on what they refer to as a “learning path.”
Message Monday - New Year, New You. Use your blinker
January 7, 2019
Need an easy win on your New Year’s resolutions? Resolve to improve traffic safety by simply using your turn signal every time you want to change lanes or make a turn. Using your blinker is so simple and so effective to let those around you know what you’re planning to do.
Don’t underestimate the power of a turn signal. When you think about it, that’s the only indication other drivers have of where your car is going to go. A study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers made a rather surprising claim: Turn signal neglect is causing millions of crashes per year and may be more dangerous than distracted driving.
