Message Monday - Take a shot at drunk driving, you'll get a chaser

January 28, 2019

Over the years you’ve probably seen dozens, if not hundreds or even thousands of messages reminding you that it is dangerous to get behind the wheel if you’re not sober. Many people have heeded these messages, and with ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, finding a safe ride home is easier than ever.

Yet, about one-third of the fatalities on Iowa highways are caused by an impaired driver. Why do you think drunk driving fatalities are still so high? That’s the million-dollar question. Could it be that younger drivers aren’t getting the message?

Personnel Updates for Dec. 28, 2018 to Jan. 10, 2019

January 24, 2019

Information provided by the Office of Employee Services

Message Monday - Winter driving: if you cruise, you lose control

January 21, 2019

Take control of your vehicle on wet or icy roads. While cruise control is a great tool on dry pavement when you want to maintain a constant speed, did you know that setting the cruise on icy roads could actually cause you to lose control of your vehicle?

Icy or wet roads cause your vehicle's tires to lose contact with the pavement. When this happens, the best way to maintain control is to take your foot off the gas to slow your vehicle down until your tires can make contact with the pavement again. Cruise control is designed to keep your vehicle going at a constant speed. When it is on and your car starts to slide, instead of slowing down your car continues to accelerate giving you little or no control over where your vehicle ends up.

January Service Awards

January 17, 2019

Information provided by the Office of Employee Services

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.