08 May 2013
On recognition of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Iowa DOT reminds motorists and motorcyclists alike to “share the road” conscientiously and courteously to help prevent motorcycle crashes which remain one of the most prevalent causes of death and injury on Iowa highways.
The safety campaign stresses the mutual responsibilities shared by all users of the road to prevent motorcycle crashes.
Tips for drivers:
• Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle
• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width – never try to share a lane
• Perform a regular visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic and at intersections
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling
• Allow more following distance – three or four seconds – when behind a motorcycle
• Never drive distracted
Tips for motorcyclists:
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet
• Using turn signals for every turn or lane change
• Signal intentions by combining hand signals and turn signals to draw the attention of other drivers
• Wear bright colored protective gear, and use reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity
• Position yourself in the lane where you will be most visible to other drivers
• Never ride while impaired
Congratulations to local graduates at the following events.
Consider the Sully RLF (Revolving Loan Fund) if you’re having trouble securing financing for your start-up or expansion project. The Sully RLF (Revolving Loan Fund) was established to improve the Sullyeconomy by providing “gap” financing for small and emerging private business enterprise projects thatmay or may not increase property valuations or employment opportunities. The fund currently has$50,000 available for projects.
Jasper County has recently updated its emergency notification system to include CodeRED Weather Warning service throughout the county. CodeRED Weather Warning taps into the National Weather Service’s Storm Based Warnings and automatically alerts affected citizens in the path of severe weather just moments after a warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. The types of weather alerts available for residents to choose from are severe thunderstorm, flash flood, or tornado warnings. This update will allow recipients to easily identify calls coming through the systems. Warnings will appear as Emergency Communications Network or the number 800-566-9780 on Caller ID displays for CodeRED Weather Warning calls.