It’s Pi Day – a celebration of the most famous irrational number, π or 3.14159265359…the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. As the world’s infinite, non-repeating pattern, Pi may go on forever. Our lives do not. One bad decision that we or another driver makes, could result in a premature death date.
Tomorrow night, we turn our clocks ahead one hour and spring forward. That’s when we really start itching for warmer temps, longer nights outdoors, and putting winter in the rearview mirror. Switching our clocks twice a year is such an automatic part of our lives in Iowa that we hardly think twice. Clicking our seatbelts should be like clockwork too.
Shhh…keep it down…your phone, that is. Did you know there was a National Quiet Day earlier this week? Our lives and our phones are so noisy and busy that we often forget how golden silence can be. But it’s amazing how much better we can focus when we slow down, stop talking and texting, unplug, reduce distractions, and just be present. What better place to apply your focus than in the driver’s seat!
It’s the greatest time of year for wrestling fans – February – when the best high school grapplers have their eyes on a state title and a trip to the highest step of the medal podium. This week, thousands of passionate supporters are driving to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines to cheer them on at the Iowa High School State Boys Wrestling Tournament where the energy is electric.
Valentine’s Day is all about love, and what better way to show it for yourself and your passengers than by fastening your seat belt? If you think about it, your seat belt is the ultimate valentine in your vehicle: always there for you, constantly hugging you, protecting you when life tries to rough you up.
It’s Superdome Super Bowl weekend, and you have some super tough decisions. Are you cheering for the Chiefs or the Eagles? Will it be burgers, pizza, or chicken wings? Wait…what about nachos, chili soup, or reshaping your cheese ball into a football? Maybe you’re deciding between watching the game at a favorite bar or going to the house party where you can show up with an appetizer in one hand and a 12-pack in the other.
This week’s January thaw has felt amazing! The welcomed break from winter makes us wonder if the cold season’s releasing its grip for good. Punxsutawney Phil’s visit this weekend reminds us the end is clearly within sight, but as Iowans, we know winter’s tricks. So, we won’t be surprised when it makes its return. Because it will. The question is, are we prepared to navigate our routes when the next system lands?
When winter blankets our roads with snow and ice, Iowa DOT snowplows are critical allies in helping restore safe travel conditions. However, your relationship with these snowfighters can be a mix of appreciation and frustration. While you may value their efforts to clear our roads, it’s easy to lose the patience needed for these slow-moving vehicles to complete their work.
Rushing to pass a plow, driving into its operational space, or staying in its blind spots can quickly become a recipe for an orange crush – and not the tasty beverage type.
While Iowa hasn’t experienced a heavy snow or ice storm with broad impacts this season like some of our neighboring states and those farther south, yet – several smaller winter weather events in recent weeks have called upon our Department of Transportation (DOT) snowplow operators to prep and maintain roadways.
Despite lower accumulations, these events still create challenges between vehicles and snowplows that share the roads. “Since our winter started on October 15, we’ve had a total of nine DOT snowplow strikes from vehicles and several other close calls,” according to Craig Bargfrede, winter operations administrator.
“It’s just a few drinks…I’m ok to drive.” How many times have you heard that from family members or friends? When it comes to drinking and driving, staying safe is about something deeper than confidence in your ability to drive under the influence. It’s about making responsible choices – and that starts with being sober and clear-headed behind the wheel.