Transportation

IDOT introduces 'Gear Up - Ride Smart' campaign

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Thursday, March 28th, 2013, 3:38pm

IDOT introduces 'Gear Up - Ride Smart' campaign

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation kicked off the "Gear Up-Ride Smart" motorcycle safety campaign in partnership with the Illinois State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education on Wednesday.

The campaign promotes safe motorcycle riding through continued training and use of proper gear and reminds all motorcyclists to get licensed, get proper training, and keep motorcycle equipment well maintained. "Gear Up - Ride Smart" also warns against riding after drinking.

Motorcycles represent 3 percent of total vehicle registrations, yet motorcycle fatalities account for more than 15 percent of all vehicle fatalities. Statistics show that about half of motorcycle rider deaths occur in crashes involving only the motorcycle, and approximately 40 percent of those fatalities involve motorcycle operators who rode after drinking.

(Source: Illinois Traffic Safety Facebook page)

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IDOT Announces 2013 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013, 3:28pm

IDOT Announces 2013 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - Illinois Department of Transportation officials announced Tuesday the start of the 24th annual Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward (TCTR) conference.

It will be held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center in Springfield.

The two-day event is intended to provide educational and skill building workshops, networking opportunities and information on how to get Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) more work on highway construction contracts.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for DBEs to share ideas and build relationships that last far beyond the conference,” said Secretary Schneider. “We want to encourage attendees to take full advantage of the many workshops available and the networking event to help ensure future success.”

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IDOT, law enforcement reminds drivers to be responsible on Super Bowl Sunday

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013, 1:17pm

IDOT, law enforcement reminds drivers to be responsible on Super Bowl Sunday

(KFVS) - Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider, along with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to be sure and designate a sober driver, especially with the upcoming Super Bowl weekend when friends and families will gather to watch the big game Sunday, February 3.

"We hope everyone enjoys the festivities of Super Bowl Weekend, but we want to remind everyone - before you decide to drink- to choose a sober designated driver," Schneider said. "We want you to hand off your keys to ensure you, your passengers and everyone on our roadways can return home safely. Drunk driving is always preventable, and driving drunk or buzzed could result in seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else. Motorists can expect the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to have a visible presence and to stop anyone who makes the dangerous decision to drink and drive."

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SLIDESHOW: Snowy weather in the Heartland 1/15

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, January 15th, 2013, 3:15pm

SLIDESHOW: Snowy weather in the Heartland 1/15

(KFVS) - Viewers sent us these pictures of the snowy conditions in their area on Tuesday, January 15.

You can send us pictures from you community to cNews@kfvs12.com or click here to upload them. Don't forget to include your name and where you're from.

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IDOT receives state's highest environmental award

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, January 15th, 2013, 1:31pm

IDOT receives state's highest environmental award

(KFVS) - Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider announced Tuesday, January 15 that the Illinois Department of Transportation received a Green Government Award from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, recognizing the department's achievements in the fields of education and outreach, transportation and efficiency and conservation.

The award was presented during the Annual Sustainable Symposium recently held in Springfield.

"We are thrilled to receive this prestigious acknowledgement of our environmental protection efforts," said Secretary Schneider. "Governor Quinn is committed to being a strong leader in conservation, efficiency and environmental citizenship and IDOT is proud to continue to work diligently to be a part of the solution."

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IDOT suspends non-emergency work for Thanksgiving holiday

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012, 3:06pm

IDOT suspends non-emergency work for Thanksgiving holiday

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced recently that non-emergency road work will be suspended where possible to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

IDOT also provided advance notice of lane closures that will be in place for the holiday weekend to aid motorists' travel plans and boost safety.

"Driving zero roadway fatalities to reality is IDOT's overall goal. During the Thanksgiving holiday, we will again suspend all non-emergency road work on state roadways, where possible, to improve traffic flow and to kick-start the heavily traveled weekend," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "To reduce potential roadway congestion and improve safety, we are also providing a list of lane closures on our website, with a breakdown by county, to help motorists plan their trips.

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ISP issues safety warning for Thanksgiving holiday travel

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012, 11:00am

ISP issues safety warning for Thanksgiving holiday travel

(KFVS) - Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are gearing up for the beginning of the holiday travel period.

Police say the cooperative effort is aimed at stepping up enforcement patrols as the holiday season begins to make the roads safe for all drivers.

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the busy holiday driving period which continues through the New Year. Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 25, officials expect high traffic volumes on interstates and roads throughout the region, with Thanksgiving Day expected to be the busiest. Illinois State Police are urging the traveling public to adhere to the rules of the road and avoid the "Fatal Four" traffic violations: Speeding, DUI, Seatbelts and Distracted Driving.

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