Kansas City Scout

KANSAS CITY SCOUT IS KANSAS CITY'S TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM...YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR REAL-TIME TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Monday, November 28, 2011

Timely Tips for Driving On Ice


Posted by Nancy Powell
Scout Traffic Management Center Supervisor

Blessed are we in KC for the fabulous weather we’ve been enjoying this fall season. Temperatures in the 70’s at mid-November are worth noting. With Thanksgiving behind us, the threat of severe weather arriving in the Metro is a likely possibility before long.

Use these waning days of November to prepare for the treacherous driving days ahead when temperatures at or barely below 32 degrees can cause a thin layer of water on the roadway to quickly become dangerously icy and slick. Make a quick review of your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. Not all vehicles operate the same under adverse conditions. Always allow extra distance of at least 3 car lengths between the vehicle in front of you to permit safe stops when roads are icy or slick.

Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) require steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. Never manually pump ABS brakes yourself. Vehicles can be steered out of a skid by slowly removing your foot from the accelerator, until traction control occurs, then slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want your front wheels to go. Do not attempt to apply brakes.

When driving uphill on ice, choose a path that will allow optimum traction. Monitor the vehicles in front of you and avoid areas where they spin out or slide backward. Traction is also enhanced by maintaining adequate tire pressure. During icy weather conditions, drive slowly, turn slowly and brake slowly. Avoid sudden changes that can create loss of control.

Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle, stocked with battery jumper cables, first aid supplies, blankets and extra outer wear, flashlight, shovel and basic hand tools. A fully charged cell phone is a lifesaver in an emergency; just don’t use it to text while driving. No message you could possibly send or receive is that urgent that it can’t wait until you’ve safely navigated the road and are not a hazard to yourself or others. Check out this MoDOT youtube.com video clip for a quick winter driving refresher. It may be the 90 seconds that saves a life this winter season!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZP88bGjmYc&feature=youtu.be>

Season’s Greetings from your friends at KC Scout!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Scout Manager Honored by KC Chamber of Commerce



Posted by Nancy Powell
Kansas City Scout TMC Supervisor

E. Jason Sims, Manager of Kansas City Scout was honored this week by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce as one of five Inaugural Ace Award recipients chosen from a field of 50 nominees. The award honors culturally diverse mid-to-senior level managers who have demonstrated excellence in leadership by exceeding their organization’s expectations in the areas of fiscal responsibility and innovation while promoting a culturally diverse workforce that reflects the customers, communities and cultures they serve. The award was presented to Mr. Sims, April 12, 2011 at the inaugural 2011 Ace Award Breakfast Ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Under Mr. Sims’ management, Kansas City Scout embodies both the Missouri and Kansas Departments of Transportation core values of workplace diversity. Scout is dedicated to providing a world class transportation experience and making a significant impact on the lives of those who use and support transportation.



The other honorees included Vaibhaviben Thaker of St. Luke’s Northland Hospital, Kevin Evans of the KCMO Parks and Recreation Department, Liping Liu of Deloitte Tax LLP and William Fulbright of Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City.

The uniquely individual awards were designed by local artist Nicole Emanuel to reflect each honoree and their respective organizations.

Photos courtesy of Celeste Burks, Ameristar Casino Hotel

Monday, March 7, 2011

Driver Removal Laws

Posted by Nancy Powell
Kansas City Scout TMC Supervisor

Springtime is fast approaching and with it, added roadway congestion due to many construction and roadway improvement projects. With lanes already restricted, the impact of stalls and accidents is magnified. Both Missouri and Kansas have enacted laws to lessen the problem, by requiring drivers to remove vehicles obstructing the regular flow of traffic on the roadway, following non-injury accidents.

The Missouri statute, enacted in 1998 reads as follows: “Except in the case of an accident resulting in the injury or death of any person, the driver of a vehicle which for any reason obstructs the regular flow of traffic on the roadway of any state highway shall make every reasonable effort to move the vehicle or have it moved so as not to block the regular flow of traffic.” (RSMo 304.151).

Kansas adopted HB2147 on March 18, 2009, which states: “Except in the case of an accident involving death or apparent injury of any person, or the transportation of hazardous material, the owner or driver of a vehicle which obstructs the regular flow of traffic on any interstate highway, U.S. highway, or any multilane or divided roadway, shall make every reasonable effort to move the vehicle from the roadway, if, moving the vehicle may be done safely, does not require towing and may be operated under its own power without further damage to the vehicle or the roadway and without endangering other vehicles or persons upon the roadway.”

Law enforcement public awareness campaigns in the past have referred to this as “Steer It or Clear It,” encouraging drivers to move vehicles following non-injury accidents, whenever possible. Failure to do so may result in a citation. Secondary collisions are not uncommon and often involve injuries and greater property damage.

Drivers remaining in a travel lane following a non-injury accident put themselves, as well as approaching motorists and emergency responders at increased risk. Many drivers are initially reluctant to move their vehicles following a minor incident, assuming or having been taught that vehicles must not be moved until law enforcement officers arrive on scene to properly assess responsibility. Drivers may also falsely believe that insurance companies will deny a claim for damages if the vehicles are moved.

Being informed of driver removal laws benefits everyone, but only if people are aware that these laws exist. For more information, visit the FHWA section on this topic at: http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09005/driv_removal.htm