A slice of KDOT life: fighting frozen fog

This time of year, KDOT crews are busy trying to stay ahead of the weather.

Here’s a snapshot of a recent battle against frozen fog.

Christy DeSantis, Equipment Operator, back in the Hutchinson shop after spraying brine in advance of frozen fog.

It’s Friday morning, Jan. 24, at the District Five offices in Hutchinson, and supervisors see that the forecast calls for frozen fog that night and into the next morning. Extreme humidity, left by a barrage of rain and snow, is about to meet freezing temperatures.

So across much of south central Kansas, District Five crews set out to lay down a layer of brine – saltwater – a melting agent to help keep an icy glaze from forming.

They focus on what KDOT crews call “the criticals” -- the bridge decks that tend to freeze faster because they are not insulated by the ground. And the curves, crossovers and 

turnarounds -- where angling tires are more apt to lose traction on slick spots.

Dave Alexander, Equipment Operator Senior, on a brine run on K-96 between Hutchinson and Wichita.

So that morning, in just one part of the multi-county effort, two KDOT trucks and their drivers work in tandem to spray brine in both directions on K-96 between Hutchinson and Wichita.

The frozen-fog fighters: Dave Alexander, Equipment Operator Senior, with about 20 years of service to KDOT, and Christy DeSantis, Equipment Operator, with about two years of experience.

They each drive a big orange truck with flashing lights, one with a 2,000-gallon brine tank, the other with 1,600 gallons. She takes the inside lane. He, the outside. She goes ahead. He stays behind. Traffic passes in between.

Here and there, they stop and turn to catch the crossover and turnaround lanes.

Using controls in their toasty cabs, they spray brine intermittently as they roll along.

In Alexander’s truck, a monitor shows the air temperature, 33 degrees, and road temperature, 39. It’s around 11 a.m. All is calm. They keep working methodically.

You can see dull-white parallel lines, long ribbons down the highway, where the brine nozzles have sprayed directly down.

It’s all part of an effort to keep motorists from spinning out.

The crews do what they can.

The rest is up to Mother Nature – and the motorists.

Kansas law enforcement urges motorists to drive sober over holidays

Police target impaired drivers during national enforcement campaign

TOPEKA, Kan. — Law enforcement agencies across the nation are joining forces over the holidays to remind drivers it’s deadly, dangerous and illegal to drive under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol and some prescription drugs.

More than 150 Kansas law enforcement agencies will be extra vigilant to spot impaired drivers as part of the national enforcement campaign that runs Dec. 21-31.

“The period between Christmas and New Year’s Day is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road,” said Chris Bortz, Kansas Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Program Manager. “Too often while celebrating over the holidays impaired drivers get behind the wheel, and it’s never OK to drive impaired.”

In 2017, approximately 17 percent of crashes over the holiday week were alcohol-related. Drug-impaired driving has become a growing threat on roads across the nation. From 2007 to 2015, marijuana usage doubled among drivers killed in crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Kansas law enforcement want to remind drivers that if you drive drunk or high, you will get a DUI.

“Impaired driving causes injuries, physical and emotional, that can last a lifetime, and it’s a serious crime. Don’t take a risk with your future or somebody else’s – driving either drunk or high is a DUI,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King. “This holiday season designate a sober driver or use a ridesharing service to ensure everybody makes it home safely.”

Impaired drivers can face jail time, suspension of their driving privileges, fines and other costs of up to $10,000. Included in this cost, the offender will be required to install and pay monthly services fees on an ignition interlock. Beyond the financial and legal penalties, impaired drivers face the risk of losing their own lives or taking someone else’s.

If you plan on using any substance that inhibits your driving, plan ahead and designate a sober driver, Bortz said. Use public transportation, a taxi, ride share service or your community’s sober ride program to get home safely.

Winter weather driving tips

Snow is falling across parts of the state. Here are a few winter weather driving tips for everyone to keep in mind. Be ready for rapidly changing road conditions and adjust your driving for the weather around your vehicle. 

Remember — for consistently-updated road conditions, check www.kandrive.org

Beat the glare when driving

Traveling in a direction that faces the sun is inevitable, and when it is shining directly in your eyes, driving can be a challenge. Most drivers have experienced the blinding rays and glare in their line of vision.  Whether you are on your way to work in the morning or going out on your evening adventures — here are some tips that will help you.

Keep your windshield clean: Don’t just clean your windshield on the outside, dust can collect on the inside as well, making the glare from the sun even worse.  Check your windshield for cracks or small pits in the surface.

Check your defrost system and windshield wipers: Frost and condensation from dew can make driving in the morning challenging. Check to make sure your car is equipped to clear your windshield.

Use your sun visor: While this may not help you when the sun is directly on the horizon, it is beneficial when the sun is slightly higher in the sky. Consider researching sun visor extensions to get more coverage across your line of vision.

Sunglasses: Your car comes equipped with sun visors, why shouldn’t you? Invest in sunglasses that not only look cool, but hep reduce glare.

Allow more space between vehicles: Driving with the sun directly in your line of sight can make it harder to see what is in front of you. Allowing for more distance can give you more room to stop.

Use your headlights: You can increase the chances of other motorists seeing you by driving with your headlights on.

Pay special attention at crosswalks: Double check each side of the road when you approach crosswalks and intersections. Look for shadows or any sign of movement before proceeding.

Use the road markings to help: If all these tips still leave you blindsided, look at the lines along the road or other visual cues.

Be prepared and stop in a safe location for a while when necessary — it’s better to arrive late than not at all.

Class is in session: Back-to-school safety part one

School is back in session for many this month. The inevitable return to classes means that an increase in safety is needed. We will be sharing a few blogs about back to school safety.

Back to School: Safety Session #1 – Driving  

With the end of the dog days of summer, family vacations and summer camps are over and the beginning of another school year is upon us. More than 50 million children will soon be heading back to school. That means increased traffic and congestion as kids and parents hurry off to school every morning.  Being prepared and taking a few extra precautions as a driver can help improve safety. 

• Ditch the distractions.  Children can be quick — whether it’s crossing the street, darting out to pick up something they’ve dropped or emerging from between parked cars.  Drivers need to focus on driving —shut off your cell phone, use the “do not disturb” feature on your mobile device or toss it in the back seat so you’re not tempted to check it. 
• Slow down and allow extra time.
• Seat belts save lives. Always remember to buckle up.

Share the road with young pedestrians.

• Don't block the crosswalk.  This forces pedestrians to go around you and could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• Always stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
• Watch for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
• Watch for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks and in all residential areas.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

Share the road with teen drivers.

A new school year means newly-licensed teen drivers will be navigating traffic, drop off areas and parking lots, which can mean a potential for more incidents.  According to the National Safety Council, teen crashes spike in September and happen more commonly in the mornings and afternoons, when school begins and ends. Drivers need to keep these tips in mind:

• When dropping off your kids at school, be on high alert for new teen drivers.
• Keep in mind that new drivers may not have the skills that come from experience, such as gauging gaps in traffic, reading the general flow of traffic on roads and having situational awareness while driving in congested areas.
• Give teen drivers the space they need as they learn to navigate traffic, drop-off/pick-up procedures and parking lots.

Know your school’s drop-off procedure

• Be familiar with your school’s drop-off procedures and keep the following tips in mind:
• Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
• Don't load or unload children across the street from the school.

Share the road with school buses

According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are four to seven years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe around buses:

• Never pass a bus if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert; children often are unpredictable and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

Share the road with bicyclists

Children on bikes may not be able to properly determine traffic conditions and safety.  Use care when sharing the road with bicyclists.  

• When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave three feet between your car and the bicyclist.
• When turning left with a bicyclist approaching from the opposite direction, wait for the bicyclist to pass.
• If you're turning right and a bicyclist is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, then proceed with the turn.

Show someone how much you care: Drive safely

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Today can be a day of romance, a day to celebrate with friends or even treating yourself to that extra piece of chocolate.

Whether you are celebrating today, or looking forward to the discounted candy tomorrow, keep in mind there are many ways to express that you care about others. One of those ways is by driving responsibly and teaching others to do the same.

You can teach those you care about to protect themselves every time they get in a vehicle by explaining the importance of seat belt use. Lead by example and wear a seat belt each and every time you get behind the wheel. They’ll get the message.

Driving while distracted, especially with other people in the vehicle can seem like it’s not a big deal. At the same time, if someone is looking at their phone and texting while driving, a message is sent in more ways than one. It only takes a few seconds for a seemingly harmless message to change the lives of the people in  your vehicle forever.

Similarly, driving over the speed limit or not following the rules of the road can send the message that getting to your destination is more important than the lives of the people you share the road with.

Showing care for others is both a verb and a choice. By making smart decisions, like wearing a seat belt, ditching the distractions, driving sober and obeying the speed limit, you express to everyone how much you truly care.

What message will you send the next time you get behind the wheel?

Halloween safety tips

Tomorrow, candy will flow and trick-or-treaters across the country will take to the streets to collect the sugary goodness. Here are some safety tips to ensure everyone has a frightfully good time.

Drivers:

• Turn on your headlights to improve visibility - Even in the day time.
• Watch for trick-or-treaters on curbs, streets and medians. They could be wearing darker costumes so keep your eyes peeled.
• Slow down in residential areas.  Give yourself extra time to react should a trick-or-treater dash into the road.
• Be sure to scan both sides of the street as you drive. Be prepared  to stop for trick-or-treaters.

Trick or Treaters:

 If you are young at heart and will be taking to the streets to collect some goodies, there are a few things you need to know:

• Let your parents or guardians know where you will be going. Create a route and stick to it. 
• Follow safety rules, and look both ways before crossing the streets. Don’t cross between vehicles.
• Trick or treat in a group. It can be more entertaining and safer. Younger children should be with a responsible adult or youth.
• Be bright at night - ensure that that your costume can be seen by drivers. Enhance your costumes with reflective tape or glow sticks.
• You should be able to see without difficulty. Don’t wear bulky masks or head gear. Consider using non-toxic face make up or paint.
• Carry a flashlight inside your Halloween bucket or bag so you can see where you are going. DON’T shine it into the eyes of drivers.
• Stay on sidewalks - if you must walk in the street, walk on the left side, facing traffic.

We hope you have a happy Halloween! 

Don't lose your head this Halloween

 

Monsters, ghouls and witches will be celebrating this Halloween weekend and KDOT wants to remind all creatures of the night that driving under the influence can have deadly consequences. 

On Halloween night between 2009 and 2013, 119 people were killed by drunk drivers and 43 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involved drunk driving.

In America, anyone driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or higher is considered a drunk driver.

You can have a howling good time and stay safe if you follow these tips:

• Before you begin drinking, make a plan to get home safely. Studies have shown alcohol makes it harder to judge situations. You may not be able to make wise decisions later in the night.
• Make sure you have a designated driver, public transportation or a sober friend or relative to you get home safely.
• Even if you have only had a few drinks, it is still unsafe to drive.
• If your community has a sober ride program, use it.
• Contact your local law enforcement if you spot an impaired driver on the road.
• If you see someone who is thinking about driving impaired, take their keys and offer to help them find a safe way home.
• If you think you can walk home while drunk, think again. It can be just as dangerous as if you were driving. If you must walk home, ask someone you trust to walk with you.

Five reminders for National Teen Driver Safety Week

Studies show that the leading cause of death for teen drivers between the ages of 15-19 is motor vehicle crashes. In 2014, there were 2,679 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes and approximately 123,000 teens were injured in crashes in the U.S.

In an effort to raise awareness about five very real driving dangers, KDOT is participating in National Teen Driver Safety Week and would like to remind teen drivers of a few things:

        

Your car is not a phone booth: You aren’t superman, but you can be a hero if you don’t use your cellphone while driving. 

     Your car is not a clown car: There are a lot of crazy clowns running around. Too many passengers in your car can lead to distracted driving.

  

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        Your car is not a race car:  Race cars belong on the race track, not on city streets. Driving at safe speeds can reduce car crashes. 

    Your car is not a bar:  Don't drink and drive. Alcohol leads to impaired driving and even death.

Your car is not invincible. Car crashes happen, and wearing your seat belt is one of the safest ways you can survive should you find yourself in a crash. 

If teens as well as all drivers follow these reminders, traffic fatalities and car crashes would be greatly reduced.

When's the time to play?

Think before you throw: 

The unforeseen challenges of 'Pokemon Go!'

KDOT would like to remind all Pokemon trainers to stay alert and safe. Always be aware of your surroundings. 

Illustration by Mallory Goeke

Fans of the Pokemon franchise have heard the phrase “Gotta Catch ‘Em All!” for nearly 20 years and now, they too, can begin their journey to catch and train over 100 different types of this animated monsters. For the past week, Pokemon trainers of all ages have been playing a brand new game released by Niantic and The Pokemon Company called “Pokemon Go.”

Using GPS on a smart phone, the game leads players on a journey around their communities to actually search for and find these powerful creatures. The game creators encourage taking long walks and interacting with others to catch, train and eventually battle on their quest.

While this game has brought many benefits to its players, such as encouraging them to get off the couch and go outside, exercise and explore. It has also created a new cause of distracted driving. 

Law enforcement across the country are cautioning players to wait to play the game when they are not behind a wheel. They are also encouraging players to not walk and play at the same time, as this can result in unsafe situations.

As exciting as this game is for many players, we would like to remind you to play it smart and safe. Your Pokemon will thank you for it.