Attired for Success

Posted by Nancy Powell, Scout Traffic Management Center Supervisor

Like most organizations, KC Scout adopted a business casual dress code for its Traffic Systems Operators.  Their jobs are not glamourous, but they do work with the latest technology in a modern Transportation Management Center and the work they perform helps keep motorists and the general public informed of traffic related incidents on our major highways and interstates.

Recently two of Scout's midday Operators, decided to raise the notch and dress for success on Tuesdays in a new tradition that has become known as "Tie Tuesday."  Last Tuesday they doubled their efforts in honor of a co-worker's 50th birthday!  Doubtful this will catch on but it's nice to see men attired in business suits on occasion!

Scout salutes David and Ronnie, two distinctively sartorial individuals!

David Peterlin and Ronald Fellers

 

 

Scout Integrating Weather With Traffic Management

Posted by Nancy Powell

KC Scout TMC Systems Supervisor

In 2009, KC Scout was selected to participate in a national study by the Federal Highway Administration. This opportunity was designed to help Traffic Man­agement Centers identify current levels of weather integration and determine a strategy for expanding the role that weather plays in roadway management and congestion reduction. In 2010, an Implementation Plan was developed based on six high level needs that had been identified to achieve Scout’s goal to include weather into the Traffic Management Center advisory and control efforts. In 2011, the plan was used and includes six target goals: • Disseminate weather information to a larger set of stakeholders and users in the region • Provide better enroute information on weather conditions to aid travelers in decision making • Develop and implement clear, written policies and procedures for handling weather events • Improve the timeliness of weather management response including deployment of field personnel and equipment • Assist in interpreting weather information and how best to adjust operations in light of that information • Provide better real-time information on road conditions during weather events To date, Scout has integrated a direct National Weather Service feed of severe weather advisories and warnings into its software system to automatically alert operators when an event is forecasted. This “push to the desktop” integration relieves the operators from having to maintain separate Internet Explorer windows for reactive tracking of changing weather conditions. Weather events can now be monitored and updated with the same level of effort as any traffic or road­work incident. DMS message boards can be activated in a timely manner and are structured within a messaging hierarchy that allows incident information to take precedence when necessary, with an automatic return to the weather advisory message once that incident has cleared. In addition, Scout can now track and measure impacts of weather messaging on a real-time basis to determine if advisory messages are being heeded by the motoring public and altering driving behavior to reduce collisions, slide-offs and other preventable traffic impacts. Having weather integrated into Scout’s operational plan is another way of utilizing technology to keep the motoring public safe and informed while reducing the impact of deteriorating road conditions during severe weather events.

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!

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

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

Posted by Nancy Powell
Traffic Management Center Supervisor

November 24, 2010 - Thanksgiving is here and "Over The River" we go. . .

The holiday season crept upon KC disguised as mild autumn days with temps in the 60's. But we knew it wouldn't last. Frost made its debut this week on windshields and tonight’s chill is a reminder that winter is fast approaching. As you make preparations for holiday travel, be mindful of the changes that are also occurring on the roadways and bridges in our busy metropolis. The new Christopher S. Bond Bridge is now carrying traffic across the Missouri River just north of downtown Kansas City but lane restrictions remain in place, so delays can be expected. Bridge work also continues on I-435 at 23rd Street and I-470 NB at I-70 east of downtown.

In Kansas, work continues on the Overland Parkway improvements along US69 between 87th and 103rd streets. Ramps at 103rd and 95th Street will reopen November 30th. KDOT completed improvements along the I-435 corridor from Overland Park to Lenexa on Tuesday eliminating overnight and weekend lane restrictions, just in time for the annual Border Showdown at Arrowhead on Saturday. As you travel this weekend, be aware of the work zones and those dedicated employees whose efforts on these major roadways are for your benefit and safety. They depend on you for their safety.

Both MoDOT and KDOT have made improvements to their website maps in order to make it even easier to preplan your travel based on construction and winter road conditions. Visit KDOT at http://511.ksdot.org/KanRoadPublic_VE/Default.aspx and MoDOT at http://maps.modot.mo.gov/TIM/.

The first storm of the season has yet to make its entrance. Before it arrives, have your vehicles checked, replace worn tires and windshield wipers, restock car emergency supplies such as flashlights and blankets and make safety your first concern. Be aware of road conditions during inclement weather. Turn off cruise control during rain/sleet/ice conditions. Use headlights and wipers when it rains.

Safety is everyone's responsibility. Ask a friend to be a designated driver or offer to be one yourself. Don't text and drive; no message is worth taking your focus off the road. It only takes a second to take a life. Recognize that many motorists in our city during the next few weeks will be visitors and not familiar with all the construction activity along our major roadways. They will appreciate your courteous driving.

Enjoy a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Remedy For An Oversight

Nancy Powell, Traffic Management Center Supervisor

Several weeks ago, I blogged here about MoDOT's response to the July 17th collapse of the I-435 WB ramp from I-470 WB. In that blog, I omitted several individuals, whose efforts that day and throughout the weekend went above and beyond heroic. Betty Schloman is a longtime MoDOT employee and was the sole Customer Service Representative on duty in the District office that particular Saturday morning. Weekends are busy for D4 Customer Service because they field calls from four other Districts as well as the Metro KC area. Anyone calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT from anywhere in the state on weekends and after 4:30 pm weekdays, will be routed either to D4 in Lee's Summit or D6 in St. Louis, depending upon where their call originates. It is unusual for any business to offer 24/7 LIVE Customer Service, and especially so for a state government agency, but at MoDOT, it's one of many distinctions that people have come to expect.

When the roadway collapsed and was closed at 1:30 that afternoon, the phones went wild with callers wanting to know what happened and requesting detour information. While MoDOT was responding with its own crews to assess and respond to the unfolding emergency, the calls kept coming…and they did not stop throughout the entire weekend. When Betty's shift ended that Saturday, she was relieved by her boss, Jackie Davis, Customer Service Supervisor, who continued to field the avalanche of calls concerning "The Hole" until she was relieved by CSR Louise Carroll for the overnight shift. And the calls continued…

Things have settled down a bit now, with construction activity ongoing and traffic having adjusted itself around the closure. Many, many MoDOT employees deserve individual recognition for their part in managing this crisis, but these three dedicated ladies warranted special mention in this space.

In my humble opinion, the entire D4 Customer Service Department is one of MoDOT's greatest assets! Keep up the good work, ladies!


Betty Schloman


Jackie Davis


Louise Carroll