Keep Our Kids Safe

Posted: Wed, April 11, 2012

Keep our kids safe - do not pass a stopped school bus

AMES, Iowa - April 11, 2012 -  Recently, several motor vehicle crashes with school buses have prompted the Iowa Department of Transportation to remind motorists of when it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus on any public or private roadway or driveway.
 
The bill known as "Kadyn's Law," in memory of Kadyn Halverson, went into effect with the governor's signature March 16. The 7-year-old first grader from Kensett was killed last May by a driver who had illegally passed a stopped school bus.
 
The new provisions increase the penalties for drivers who fail to abide by the law (Iowa Code 321.372) on stopped school buses. Previously, a motorist who passed a bus when the red warning lights were flashing was fined $200. The new Iowa law increased the penalty to at least $250 and as high as $675 for a first offense and up to 30 days in jail. For subsequent violations, a driver could face fines of up to $1,875. A driver who violates the law and causes an injury could face added fines, jail time and license suspension.
 
In addition to the situations described below, drivers should never pass on the right. Violations of Iowa's motor vehicle laws should be reported to local law enforcement.
 
Scenario 1 - You are traveling on a two-lane or three-lane
  • Nearing the bus from the rear; drivers must always stop when either the amber lights or red lights are flashing.  Stop no closer than 15 feet from t he bus.
  • Meeting the bus from the front; drivers must slow their vehicles to 20 mph when amber lights are flashing.  Stop when the lights change to red and the stop arm comes out.  Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. 
Scenario 2 - You are traveling on a road with two or more lanes in each direction
  • Stop if nearing the bus from the rear when amber or red lights are flashing.  Stop no closer than 15 feet from the bus.   
  • When meeting the bus in one of the opposite two lanes (or more), you do not need to stop even if the bus has stopped with lights flashing and stop arm out.  he bus is not permitted to load or unload children who must cross this type of roadway unless there are official traffic control devices or police officers present.    
#
 
Contact: David Stutz, 515-237-3230 or david.stutz@dot.iowa.gov

Below are illustrations of vehicle movements related to a stopped school bus on a variety of roadway configurations.

Illustrations

News Headlines

2013 Iowa Transportation Map

Posted: Thu, May 23, 2013

Have you ever wondered how to get to Kendallville? If so, the Iowa Department of Transportation has just the publication for you. The new 2013 Iowa Transportation Map is now available in the standard fold-out paper form, on the Internet or through a mobile device viewing app.

The front cover of this year's map highlights the 100th anniversary of the Iowa State Highway Commission, later restructured as the Iowa Department of Transportation. The back panel includes a welcome message from Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Copies of the 2013 map are available at the Iowa DOT's 18 driver's license stations, county treasurer's offices, all six Iowa DOT district offices and Iowa's rest areas. The map can also be ordered online through the Iowa DOT's website.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority's Iowa Tourism Office also distributes maps to Iowa's 19 welcome centers across the state and all travelers requesting tourism information online and by phone. To order a free Iowa travel packet that includes the new map and 2013 Iowa Travel Guide, call 800-345-IOWA (4692) or visit traveliowa.com.

An electronic version of the map, accompanied by an assortment of city detail maps, is also available online at iowadot.gov/maps by selecting the "Transportation Map" link. Information for a mobile device map viewing app is available there as well.

The 2013 map shows all highways, airports, rail lines, lakes, rivers and major county roads. Detail maps are shown for the state's 16 largest cities that identify highways, major streets and city boundaries. The map information also includes a chart to find mileage between select Iowa cities; and an index listing the cities shown on the map, along with their populations and map location.

In addition to the standard features mentioned, the 2013 map includes two Quick Response (QR) codes that can be scanned with a QR reader on a smartphone or other mobile device. Simply download a free QR application from your device's online app store. One of the codes provides access to all the websites listed on the printed map, as well as a link to the online version of the map. The other provides a direct link to Iowa's 511 travel information website.
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2013 TRRC TRI-P

Posted: Sat, June 29, 2013

The 2013 TRI-P—A Triathlon with a Twist!
  • Leg #1—2-person canoe race from Valley Canoe Launch to Gilbertson Park
  • Leg #2—Bike race/ride from Gilbertson Park to 245th Street (Pleasant Valley Sports Club)
  • Leg #3—9 hole 2-person best shot golf round
  • Entry Fee—$100 / per team
  • Must be 18 or older to participate
  • Participants must provide their own equipment—canoe, bike, and golf clubs. Rentals are available locally for an additional fee. Please visit www.turkeyrivercorridor.com for a complete listing.
  • Registration is online at www.turkeyrivercorridor.com or in person at Pleasant Valley Sports Club. Registration deadline is June 21, 2013. Late registration fee is $125 after that date.
  • All canoes must have proper Iowa registration and life jackets will be required for all participants.
  • Bike helmets are required during the bike race/ride.
  • Early bird event registration will be available on Friday, June 28th from 7:00—9:00 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Sports Club. Avoid the rush the morning of the event by attending this orientation session the night before. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar and meet other triathlon participants!
  • Get your team together NOW and have a day of FUN on the Turkey River! Cash payouts, door prizes, & more.


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UERPC May Newsletter

Posted: Mon, May 20, 2013
Some of the headlines you can read about:
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  • Employee Spotlight, Lori Brockway
  • IA Benchmarking Program
  • Disaster Funding Available
  • Regional Transportation Update
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IA Public Transit Photography Contest

Posted: Thu, May 16, 2013
Iowa Public Transit Photography Contest Deadline is June 1st

You have less than three weeks to submit photos documenting the great public transit activity in Iowa! It is a perfect time of year for outdoor photography, so grab the camera and get some pictures of your transit system in action! If you already have good photos on your computer or camera, get them entered!

Information on how to submit your photos is available at http://www.iowadot.gov/transit/2013TransitPhotoContest.pdf.

Whether your photos represent rural or urban transit, mobility management, employee transportation, medical transportation, customer service, facilities, vehicles, bus stops or another transit related category, we want to see and share your transit photography! 
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