Safety

Qualified truck drivers from Mexico have almost perfect score

Qualified truck drivers from Mexico have almost perfect score

SR24-1

Qualified truck drivers from Mexico have almost perfect score

Qualified truck drivers from Mexico have almost perfect score

February 19, 2019

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

Nobody’s perfect. But Arizona Department of Transportation officers performing safety inspections and Mexican truck drivers who have completed the International Border Inspection Qualification program are oh so close.

By the end of February, more than 600 truck drivers from Mexico will have completed a two-day ADOT safety course since the program began in July 2017.

Those drivers have crossed the border more than 11,000 since completing their training. All but 31 of those crossings have come with no significant safety violations. That’s a success rate of 99.7 percent. In December, the success rate peaked at 99.9 percent.

Blog-2019-0219-ibiq-2

ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division officers are the first in the U.S. to travel south of the international border for safety training that teaches drivers everything from how to secure a load to when brakes need to be replaced.

When the program started, ADOT officers scheduled just four sessions over a six-month period. High demand for the program has led to 25 sessions in about 19 months, with nine more events scheduled between now and September.

One important factor in the program’s success: WhatsApp. Qualified drivers can use the smartphone application to speak with inspectors before approaching the border. About 80 percent of those calls have identified violations that were fixed before the inspections, saving drivers and their companies time and money.

IBIQ is not one-and-done. This year ADOT is launching a requalification program, a one-day workshop that allows already-qualified drivers to refresh their skills and learn about new developments. Seven classes are scheduled between March and September.

Blog-2019-0219-ibiq-3

What’s in it for Arizona drivers? Economic growth, and safety.

Economy: Less time at the port means more trucks bringing commercial products into Arizona every day. That means more business for border communities and for the hundreds of companies that support the trucking industry across Arizona.

Safety: It’s more than just having qualified drivers bring safer trucks across the border. ADOT officers can now spend more of their time inspecting vehicles that are more likely to have bad brakes, worn tires or other violations.

A boost to Arizona’s economy. Serious safety violations are prevented. Safe trucks spend less time at the port of entry and more time on the road. About as close to perfect as you’ll find.

VIDEO: Coalition of national agencies honors ADOT for US 60 safety project

VIDEO: Coalition of national agencies honors ADOT for US 60 safety project

SR24-1

VIDEO: Coalition of national agencies honors ADOT for US 60 safety project

VIDEO: Coalition of national agencies honors ADOT for US 60 safety project

February 11, 2019

By Doug Nintzel / ADOT Communications

It wasn’t the Oscars, and, more importantly, it was about highway safety. As the video above shows, ADOT was in the spotlight at a recent ceremony in Washington D.C., when a national group honored one of the agency’s creative safety solutions.

The National Operations Center of Excellence presented its Best Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Project Award to ADOT’s US 60 Superstition Freeway Improvement Project in Tempe. Representatives of ADOT’s own Transportation Systems Management and Operations division were on hand to accept the honor.

For the Superstition Freeway project, an ADOT team evaluated a section of westbound US 60 between Mill Avenue and the I-10 interchange where a concerning number of crashes, most of them minor, had resulted backups during busy periods.

In collaboration with the city of Tempe and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, ADOT adjusted lane striping and installed new signs along that stretch of westbound US 60 in summer 2018. The result: improved traffic flow in the left lanes, leading to a significant reduction in crashes. The video features an ADOT engineer who worked on this project explaining its effects.

The National Operations Center of Excellence serves as a nationwide resource for the Transportation Systems Management and Operations community. Its partners include the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and Institute of Transportation Engineers. The Federal Highway Administration also supports the effort.

ADOT’s Interstate 17 Wrong-Way Vehicle Alert System being tested in Phoenix also received a national runner-up award in the competition.

US 93 improvements advancing with latest widening project

US 93 improvements advancing with latest widening project

SR24-1

US 93 improvements advancing with latest widening project

US 93 improvements advancing with latest widening project

February 1, 2019

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications

161.

That’s the number of miles of US 93 between Wickenburg and the Nevada state line that have been upgraded to four-lane divided highway. And we're launching a $35.5 million project that will add nearly 4 more miles to that total.

Blog-2019-0201-us-93

This work just north of Wikieup, between Carrow and Stephens, will connect two sections of highway that have already been divided. That will create a 13-mile continuous stretch of divided four-lane highway from milepost 108, about 15 miles south of I-40, and milepost 121 near Wikieup. That’s the number of miles of US 93 between Wickenburg and the Nevada state line that have been upgraded to four-lane divided highway. And we're launching a $35.5 million project that will add nearly 4 more miles to that total.

Keeping a future Interstate 11 in mind, ADOT has invested more than half a billion dollars over the past 20 years to turn the primary route between Phoenix and Las Vegas into modern four-lane divided highway. Click on the image at right for a detailed look at what's been completed and what's currently planned.

The upgrade to a four-lane divided highway improves traffic flow, supports the movement of freight and enhances safety through this heavily traveled area. The entire northern segment of US 93 from Kingman to the Nevada state line (mileposts 1 to 68) is now a four-lane divided highway following the completion of a $71 million project in 2010.

Work is expected to launch in the next few weeks, with the majority taking place off of the highway and not impacting motorists for some time.

You can read more about our past, current and planned work for US 93 on our projects website.

With rain, snow coming this weekend, slow down for safety

With rain, snow coming this weekend, slow down for safety

SR24-1

With rain, snow coming this weekend, slow down for safety

With rain, snow coming this weekend, slow down for safety

January 31, 2019

By Garin Groff /ADOT Communications

 

After an extended stretch of dry weather, Arizona drivers should prepare for driving in the rain – or in snow at higher elevations – late this week and into the weekend.

For much of the state, rain will be the main concern. Our tips for driving in on wet roads include:

  • Allow extra time to reach your destination safely.
  • Create a space cushion by reducing your speed and maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
  • Avoid sudden braking, which can cause you to slide on wet pavement. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal and brake slowly.
  • Avoid areas where water is pooling in travel lanes; if possible use center lanes and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.
  • Stay alert for rocks knocked onto roadways by storm runoff on slopes.
  • Before you drive, inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary.
  • Turn on your headlights while driving.
  • Be cautious of hydroplaning. This occurs when a thin layer of water accumulates between your tires and the asphalt and your vehicle loses contact with the roadway. You might suddenly feel your vehicle sliding or drifting because you’ve lost traction. If you feel you are hydroplaning, ease your foot off the gas pedal until you regain traction. Do not brake suddenly. If you are sliding or drifting, gently turn your steering wheel in the direction of your slide.

If you’re driving in the snow:

  • Slow down and drive according to road conditions, including operating at slower speeds and avoiding sudden acceleration on snow and ice.
  • Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
  • Stay at least four vehicle lengths behind snowplows.
  • Be prepared with extra clothes and gloves, maintain at least a three-quarter-full tank of gas, keep your cell phone charged and pack extra drinking water, some food and all necessary medications. Pack items that would help in case you encounter an unscheduled highway closure.
  • Pack an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container of sand for traction and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
  • Beware of black ice – especially at night when melting snow can turn to slippery ice. And remember, ice tends to form on bridges first and can be hard to see.

Remember that ADOT has numerous safety tips available on its website for driving during weather events.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Heading north for the snow? Good times can go bad without planning

Heading north for the snow? Good times can go bad without planning

SR24-1

Heading north for the snow? Good times can go bad without planning

Heading north for the snow? Good times can go bad without planning

January 11, 2019

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

It's a winter tradition: When Arizona's high country gets a fresh blanket of snow, many folks head up to throw snowballs, ski and more.

An associated tradition is heavy traffic around areas popular for snow play, especially US 180 northwest of Flagstaff. At day's end, that highway can see big delays as people head back toward Flagstaff. The photo above shows the backup near the Arizona Snowbowl turnoff a few years back.

If you're heading to play in the snow, have a great time. But please keep safety in mind, starting with being prepared for extended time in winter weather. Pack an emergency kit that includes blankets, warm clothing, food, water, cat litter or sand for traction, a first-aid kit, a fully charged cellphone and a flashlight with extra batteries. ADOT's Know Snow page has more tips for you and your vehicle, including keeping your gas tank full or close to it.

Also, keep in mind that parking on highway shoulders to play in the snow not only can slow traffic but is dangerous for you, your passengers and other drivers. Highway shoulders are for emergencies only. First responders may need to use that shoulder, and ADOT's snowplows can hurl show and ice far off a highway. So please use designated parking areas.

Finally, check the weather forecast, research road conditions by visiting az511.gov or calling 511, and consider delaying travel if snow is falling. If you decide to go anyway while it's snowing, be prepared for the possibility of delays and closures caused by poor conditions and slide-offs. And give ADOT's snowplows plenty of room to work, staying at least four vehicle lengths behind and never passing a plow.

We don't want to spoil the fun that is building a snowperson; we just want you to plan ahead and use common sense on your trip.

Looking back at 2018 one safety message at time

Looking back at 2018 one safety message at time

SR24-1

Looking back at 2018 one safety message at time

Looking back at 2018 one safety message at time

January 2, 2019

By Caroline Carpenter / ADOT Communications

As 2019 dawns, we're taking a minute to look back on safety messages we posted in 2018, along with your reactions.

 

While all of ADOT’s message boards focus on safety, we often throw in few pop culture references. There was a nod to the Swifties when pop star Taylor Swift was in town.

 

 

And, we didn’t leave out country fans when Tim McGraw and Shania Twain performed.

 

 

We hope you enjoyed the message boards this past year and remember to focus on safe driving.

With a new year, we're sure to have more safety messages. Until then, enjoy the video below with a few of ADOT’s safety signs that were displayed on state highways in 2018.

Drivers: Make safe decisions and get on the ‘nice list’

Drivers: Make safe decisions and get on the ‘nice list’

SR24-1

Drivers: Make safe decisions and get on the ‘nice list’

Drivers: Make safe decisions and get on the ‘nice list’

December 20, 2018

Dynamic Message Sign - "Life is a gift / Call for a lift"

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

With one weekend left before Christmas, now is the time for many motorists to make a last-ditch effort to move their name from the “naughty list” to the “nice list.”

Crash reports show that more than 90 percent of vehicle collisions are caused by driver behavior, such as drivers choosing to drive recklessly, impaired or distracted. These bad decisions make the roads less safe for all of us.

In an effort to encourage drivers to make better decisions behind the wheel, motorists will see Christmas-themed safety messages on ADOT’s overhead signs. These quirky messages urge drivers to make safe choices, like choosing not to speed or drive drunk, and to use turn signals.

The rising number of fatal crashes isn’t an uplifting topic of holiday party banter, but our goal in posting these unconventional safety messages is to kick-start conversations about safe driving because real change must begin in the driver’s seat.

Safety tip: Highway shoulders are for emergencies, not snowball fights

Safety tip: Highway shoulders are for emergencies, not snowball fights

SR24-1

Safety tip: Highway shoulders are for emergencies, not snowball fights

Safety tip: Highway shoulders are for emergencies, not snowball fights

December 5, 2018

Playing in the snow

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

Whether your passion is sledding, making snowmen or taking selfies with heart hands, don’t park on highway shoulders to play in the snow.

It happens every winter: After a snowstorm passes though, common sense and driver etiquette go out the window for some, and motorists begin parking on highway shoulders, along interchange ramps and even along busy Interstate 17 to have some not-so-safe winter fun.

The photo at right snows people playing in the snow at the Stoneman Lake Road interchange with I-17 after a 2017 storm. Not a wise move, valued constituents.

Highway shoulders are for emergencies only. Stopping there puts you and your loved ones at risk of a crash. It blocks first responders and snowplows en route to emergencies or to help stranded motorists. It also contributes to backups and delays.

2018-1205-untitled1

Snowplow clearing the road

Oh, and have I mentioned that ADOT plows can hurl snow and ice far off the roadway? You’re going to lose that snowball fight every time, so there's one more reason to play elsewhere.

Get the picture? Great! Then let’s make this a safe and considerate winter season for everyone by using designated parking areas rather than shoulders when heading north to frolic in the snow.

If you’re on US 180 northwest of Flagstaff, where many head after winter storms, we’ve posted signs noting that shoulders are for emergencies only. But that applies everywhere, and it’s with everyone's safety in mind.

With snow season off to an early start, you can get more winter safety tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

ADOT takes home award for I-17 wrong-way system

ADOT takes home award for I-17 wrong-way system

SR24-1

ADOT takes home award for I-17 wrong-way system

ADOT takes home award for I-17 wrong-way system

November 19, 2018

I-17 wrong-way vehicle alert system award

By Doug Nintzel / ADOT Communications

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s wrong-way vehicle alert system being tested along a stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix has earned a special award for innovation.

ADOT’s first-in-the-nation pilot I-17 system, featuring 90 thermal cameras that detect and track wrong-way vehicles, was named the “Best in Class” winner in a Government Innovation Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The system, in operation since January of this year, has detected more than 40 wrong-way vehicles within the I-17 pilot project’s boundaries stretching 15 miles from the I-10 “Stack” interchange near downtown Phoenix to the Loop 101 interchange in north Phoenix.

Brent Cain, who leads ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations division, and David Riley, the I-17 system's project manager (shown in the photo above), accepted the award recently during a ceremony held by GCN, an information technology industry magazine and sponsor of the innovation awards competition.

“To earn a best in class award while sharing the evening’s event with agencies like the U.S. Navy, NASA and the FBI was very humbling,” Cain said. “This award recognizes the commitment of many people at ADOT as well as our private sector partners to reduce the risk of tragic wrong-way crashes, often caused by impaired drivers.”

ADOT’s I-17 system immediately alerts operators in the agency’s traffic operations center as well as the Arizona Department of Public Safety to the detection of a wrong-way vehicle, saving valuable response time for AZDPS troopers in the field and allowing ADOT to quickly post warning messages on overhead signs for other freeway drivers.

Fortunately, the vast majority of wrong-way drivers detected by the system’s thermal cameras so far have turned around on off-ramps without entering the freeway.

ADOT earned the Best in Class innovation award in the state and local category. The U.S. Navy won best in class in the defense category while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was recognized among federal-civilian finalists.

Don't dally after a minor crash. It's the law.

Don't dally after a minor crash. It's the law.

SR24-1

Don't dally after a minor crash. It's the law.

Don't dally after a minor crash. It's the law.

November 14, 2018

Dynamic Message Boards - "Minor Crash / Clear Lanes Fast"

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications

Nearly everyone has driven past a minor crash on a freeway. A handful of you, no doubt, have been involved in such a crash.

So what does one do if, heaven forbid, it happens to you? More to the point: How do you stay safe?

If you are in the fender bender, the most crucial thing to remember is simple: Move over. Get out of the travel lanes. You don’t have to preserve the scene of non-injury crash.

The second thing to remember: Don’t step into traffic to photograph your vehicle. Once your car is safely on the shoulder, you should be too. You and the other driver can exchange pertinent information while waiting safely, out of the way of traffic, for law enforcement to arrive.

This is called Quick Clearance, a strategy that keeps motorists safe and traffic moving. Quick Clearance is one of the practices that the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and other traffic-safety stakeholders are promoting during National Traffic Incident (TIM) Awareness Week.

In addition to providing TIM tips this week, motorists will also see related safety messages on overhead signs and on social media. You'll find examples above and below.

Quick Clearance is also a matter of state law. Drivers in minor crashes with operable vehicles are required to remove their vehicles from the roadway if it is safe to do so.

At the same time, motorists approaching a crash or a vehicle with flashing lights are required to move over one lane or slow down under Arizona’s “Move Over” law.

It’s all part of traffic safety, and it's an important message for motorists.