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P E N N S Y L V A N I A D E P A R T M E N T O F T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
KEEPING YOU UP
TO DATE WITH ALL
OF PENNDOT’S
PROJECTS AND
INNOVATIONS
THROUGHOUT
THE YEAR
Strand Jacking the Hulton Bridge
May 2015
Public Service Announcements Work forWork Zone Safety Week
Secretary RichardsWins Confirmation
Piloting Mobile LiDAR
March was a busy month forwork zone safety efforts inDistrict 9. As winter slowly butsurely came to a close, thoughtsmoved toward the comingconstruction season and thevital need to increaseawareness about theimportance of safe travelthrough work zones in ourregion and across the state.
It happened that over thewinter, equipment operators inDistrict 9 were given theopportunity to take an activerole in convincing the public ofthe importance of highwaysafety by recording winterdriving public serviceannouncements (PSAs). Therecording process was verysuccessful and the PSAs werebroadcast more than 6,000times on Forever Media stationsthroughout the region. ForeverMedia’s radio stations can beheard in Armstrong, Bedford,Blair, Cambria, Centre,
Clearfield, Clinton, Cumberland,Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon,Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata,Mifflin, Perry, Somerset, andWestmoreland counties.
Very pleased with the success ofthe approach, we decided totake the same approach withconstruction safety PSAs thatwould air during Work ZoneAwareness Week andthroughout the constructionseason. Larry DuVal from FultonCounty, Brooke Leppert fromBedford County, and RichardJohnson and Cory Smith fromSomerset County allparticipated in the recordings.Six PSAs were recorded andonce again, Forever Mediabroadcast the messages onradio stations throughout thearea including Froggy 98.1, Hot92 and 100, WALY 103.9 andseveral others.
Since PennDOT equipmentoperators aren’t the only men
and women who will be workingon roadways this season, anoffer was extended to our localcontractors to also record publicservice announcements. Fourcontractors responded withinterest, New Enterprise Stone& Lime Company of NewEnterprise, Francis J. Palo Inc.of Clarion, Quaker Sales Corp.of Johnstown, and CottlesAsphalt Maintenance Inc. ofEverett. Representatives fromeach of these companies werechosen for the recordings, andtook time out of their busyschedules to come to the studioand help to improve the safetyawareness for themselves andtheir co-workers.
The Johnstown branch ofForever Media Inc. will also bedoing a series of “day in thelife” radio programs featuringflaggers who will have theopportunity to tell their stories.The flaggers from JRKEnterprises Inc. will talk about
their close calls and share thecommon occurrences forflaggers on highwayconstruction. Flaggers are thefirst line of defense for highwayworkers and, unfortunately, firstin line to be part of a work zonecrash or intrusion.
District 9 will continue thinkingof new and innovative ways toinvolve all of our employees insafety efforts. The introductionof smart phones and otherdevices that allow for instantaccess to email, social media,games, and text messaging - allat the users’ fingertips - haveadded to our safety challenge.We all must remain ever vigilantwith the advent of these newtechnologies that tempt driversfrom doing everything but themost important job; keepingtheir eyes on the roadway.Continuing efforts such as WorkZone Safety Awareness Weekwill remain invaluable as we aimto bring highway fatalitiestowards zero.
By Anthony Scalia, Community Relations Coordinator, District 10
Public Service Announcements Work for Work Zone Safety Week
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Brooke Leppert, B
edford County
Cory S
mith, S
omerset C
ounty
Larry DuVal, Fulton C
ounty
"If everyone works together, wecan all get home safely” was thesentiment echoed by ActingDistrict 6 Executive, ChristineReilly, during a news conferenceto highlight the start of NationalWork Zone Awareness Week onMonday, March 23. “Expect theUnexpected” was the theme ofthe week which ran throughFriday, March 27.
The event featuredrepresentatives from PennDOT,the Pennsylvania State Police,municipal police departments,Buckle Up Pennsylvania, theChester County Highway SafetyProject and the MontgomeryCounty Health Department.Staged at a work zone operationnear U.S. 422 and ArmandHammer Boulevard in PottstownBorough, Montgomery County;the group’s sole purpose was toremind motorists to drive safelyin work zones as constructionseason arrives in Pennsylvania.
The event was held not far fromwhere 60 year-old Lee Boyer,who worked for J.D. Eckman,Inc., was killed on December 3,2014, while setting up cones fora lane closure on the westboundlanes of the Schuylkill Riverbridge in North CoventryTownship, Chester County. “Leewas one of many constructionworkers who have been injuredor killed while working to makeour roads safer,” Reilly said. According to PennDOT data, in2013 there were 1,845 crashes inPennsylvania work zones, with16 people killed in thosecrashes. Since 1970, 85PennDOT employees have beenkilled in the line of dutystatewide.
Tim Schultz, a 38 year-oldhighway foreman for PennDOTin Bucks County, talked abouthis close call when a motoristignored instructions from aflagger and drove into an active
work zone in BensalemTownship last June. Schultzattempted to flag the driverdown to protect his workers.“The motorist proceeded towardme, stopping directly in front ofme before accelerating andbumping my knees, causing meto fall onto his hood,” Schultzsaid. “He then continued todrive through the remainder ofthe work zone with me on hishood.” Schultz was very lucky towalk away from the incidentwith only minor injuries. Hesaid, “My only thought was thatI wanted my crew to be safe."
Tim’s wife, Christine, who alsoworks for PennDOT’s BucksCounty Maintenance Unit, heardthe incident over the radio fromthe office. "I heard the flaggerscreaming," she said. "Panic setin. I thought I was never goingto hear Tim's voice again.Anybody that works on anyroad, they're people, too," she
added. "They deserve to comehome at the end of the day totheir loved ones."
Safety isn’t the only motivationto curb aggressive drivinghabits in work zones. There arefinancial consequences as well,which were highlighted byOfficer Tom Barton of NorthCoventry Police. He showed anenlarged copy of a samplecitation showing that aspeeding violation in a workzone can cost the offendernearly $250. "We'd rather youobey the signs, look out for theworkers and avoid this citation,"he said.
U.S. Route 422 motorists will beencountering several workzones in the coming years as PennDOT improves thehighway in the Pottstown andValley Forge areas inMontgomery County.
by Brad Rudolph, Community Relations Coordinator, District 6
Highlighting Work Zone Safety in District 6
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Through Construction Season, be Mindful of Those Behind the Cones
With Act 89, the state’s transportation plan, continuing to bringmore work zones to Pennsylvania roadways, drivers willcontinue to see construction projects across the state. WithPennDOT data showing that 24 people lost their lives in workzones in 2014, the department urges all drivers to use cautionin work zones for their safety as well as that of workers.
Since 1970, 85 PennDOT employees have died in the line ofduty. PennDOT data also shows that there were 1,841 crashes inwork zones last year, a slight decrease from the 1,851 crashes in2013. Over the five-year period, there were 10,586 work-zonecrashes and 128 fatalities in those crashes.
To draw attention to the people behind the cones, PennDOTlaunched a #Slow4Zone campaign in March that spotlightsdepartment employees and reminds drivers why it is importantto pay attention and slow down in work zones.
To learn about work zone safety and view the employeetestimonials in the #Slow4Zone campaign, visitwww.JustDrivePA.com. Join the discussion on social media byusing #Slow4Zone in posts.
Pennsylvanians Urged to ‘Donate Life’
With April marking National Donate Life Month, the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Transportation (PennDOT) reminded driver's license andidentification card holders that spending a few minutes online to registeras an organ donor can help another person live a fuller, longer life.
Over 46 percent of driver's license and identification card holders areregistered organ donors – that’s more than 4.5 million Pennsylvanians.More than 8,500 Pennsylvanians currently await organ transplants.
To add the organ donor designation to an existing driver’s license oridentification card today, visit www.dmv.state.pa.us and select the"Donate Life Pennsylvania" icon at the bottom of the page. Once thedesignation is added, individuals will receive a designation card thatthey will have to carry with them to affirm organ donor status until theyrenew or replace their driver’s license or identification card. There is nocharge for adding the designation to your driver's license oridentification card.
Driver's license and identification card holders can also support organdonation programs by donating $1 to the Robert P. Casey MemorialOrgan and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund at the time ofapplication and/or renewal. Registered vehicle owners may alsocontribute $1 to the fund when renewing their registration. Proceedsfrom the fund are used to educate and promote awareness of the organdonor program through non-profit organizations like the Center forOrgan Recovery and Education and the Gift of Life Donor Program.Since 1995, Pennsylvanians have generously donated more than $12million to the fund.
Ongoing efforts to increase awareness of organ and tissue donationinclude video monitors featuring educational content at 20 PennDOTdriver's license centers. More information on organ and tissue donationin Pennsylvania can be found at www.donatelifepa.org.
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It is widely advertised thatLEDs, or light-emitting diodes,have the potential to be a moreefficient, durable, versatile, anda long-lasting light sourcecompared to similar products inthe lighting market. Thepotential benefits andchallenges of LED lighting haveyet to be fully explored by theAmerican Association of StateHighway and TransportationOfficials (AASHTO) for theapproval and use of LEDs onroadways and bridges. Lesscommonly known but showingequal potential of cost savingsare remote monitoring andcontrol systems. When bothtechnologies are used inconjunction, the energy andmaintenance cost savings maybe maximized.
That’s where the PennsylvaniaState Transportation InnovationCouncil (STIC) comes in. TheSTIC is composed of a multi-stakeholder leadership thatworks together to identifyinitiatives for rapidimplementation to create amodern, high-qualitytransportation system that issafe and efficient.
To achieve this, the STIC’sMaintenance TechnicalAdvisory Group (TAG)recognized the potential ofLEDs in replacing what’s mostcurrently used in infrastructurelighting, High Pressure Sodium(HPS) lights. However, while
LED light fixtures offer greatercontrol over the direction oflight output, it is important todetermine the effectiveness ofLED lighting as a safe resourcefor highway applications. Inaddition, unlike High PressureSodium lights that extinguishwhen they reach the end of theiruseful life, the light output ofLEDs decreases indefinitelywithout extinguishing, makingit more difficult to ensure thatproper lighting levels areconsistently maintained.Remote monitoring and controlsystems provide the ability totrack the light fixtures’ life andperformance, proactivelyreporting when maintenancemay be due.
Because of the criticalimportance of maintainingproper lighting levels regardlessof the light source, PennDOT,the STIC, and the FHWA workedto conduct a pilot to determinethe effectiveness of LEDs as alight source and begin thediscussion on whatspecifications would be neededfor the approval of LED use on Pennsylvania roadways and bridges.
To ensure motorist safety,PennDOT decided to conductthe pilot on the Clarks FerryBridge in Dauphin Countywhere the existing light polespacing allows the selectedLEDs to meet AASHTO’s criteriawithin the clearly defined limits
of a bridge. Additionally, thesite provides several differentroadway design features thatcan be analyzed all at one site,rather than scattered acrossseveral different sites.
The $100,000 pilot consists of68 LED lights and a remotemonitoring and control system.As of January of this year,PennDOT had replaced all 68HPS lights with new LEDluminaries, each with a controlnode. Several sign andunderpass luminaires wereoutfitted with control nodes aswell. The control nodes reportenergy usage, burn hours, andwhether or not the light fixtureis functioning properly. Thispilot installation included theinitial set-up of the monitoringsoftware which is a one-timecost, and would not be incurredwith future installations. Futuremonitoring and control projectswould require the addition of one control node per light fixture.
The Maintenance TAGestimated a 45 percentreduction in energy useannually and so far the reportsare finding those projections tobe accurate. With the new LEDlighting system, the energy billis expected to $1,700 less peryear than the HPS system. The energy savings are realizedwhile meeting or exceeding theAASHTO criteria for variousdesign considerations at the
site, demonstrating amaintained level of servicethroughout the retrofit.”
Over the next year, PennDOT,the STIC, and the FHWA willreview the site and monitoringreports to identify potentialbenefits and challenges in thefuture use of LED lights andremote monitoring and controlsystems. AASHTO is expectedto release revisions to theRoadway Lighting DesignGuide in the coming monthsthat will provide additionalconsiderations in theimplementation of LEDs andcontrol systems. If the pilot issuccessful, PennDOT will workto develop specifications incompliance with the revisedAASHTO guide for the futureuse of LEDs and controlsystems in the replacement ofexisting lighting sources or inthe development of newinfrastructure.
To learn more about otherinitiatives that the STIC ispromoting, visitwww.ModernDOT.pa.gov andselect “State TransportationInnovation Council.”
You can also see innovations on a road or bridge near you by visiting www.dot.state.pa.usand selecting “Map STICInnovations.”
By Jamie Legenos, Information Specialist, Central Office
Lighting the way on Efficiency
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By Steve Cowan, Community Relations Coordinator, District 11
Strand Jacking the Hulton Bridge
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The construction of any rivercrossing is a fascinatingprocess to watch unfold. The$64.8 million Hulton Bridge inAllegheny County is noexception. The new span beingbuilt across the Allegheny Riverhas caught the attention ofmany motorists. The new bridgeis being constructed a shortdistance upstream from theexisting bridge, which is stillbeing used by nearly 20,000daily travelers. It would be hardnot to notice the regularprogress on the new span as itis only inches away from the105 year old, structurallydeficient Hulton Bridge on thesouthern end.
Many challenges have beenfaced during the on-goingconstruction of the bridge, butnone more daunting than liftingand connecting the five girderline span weighingapproximately 1,200 tons. Withthe majority of the substructurework completed in 2013,including abutment and pierconstruction, the lastsignificant hurdle was theconnection of the 282 feet longand 75 foot wide section. Only72 hours was allotted by theUnited States Coast Guard for
the steel connection becausethe lift was over the mainnavigational channel of theriver. Because of this timeconstraint, temporary towerscould not be installed as theywould restrict the width of thechannel. So how do you lift amassive section of bridge in ashort time frame? By using a“Strand jack.”
A strand jack is a hydraulicdevice that utilizes multiplesteel cables, or strands, to liftextremely large loads. Eachstrand bundle runs through acylinder that employs grippingheads. These gripping headsprovide a mechanical locking ofthe strand bundle at all times. Alifting or lowering movement isachieved by opening or closingthe two gripping heads on eachjack. Mammoet USA North,Inc., the subcontractorproviding the strand jackingdevices on the project, controlsthe lifting process with acomputer.
While the girder line span wasassembled on a barge, four 600ton jacks were positioned onthe corners of the bridge. Thejacks have a built-in skid trackto allow lateral shifting but they
cannot move transversely, sopositioning the barges inprecise locations in the riverbelow was critical. The first dayinvolved situating the workingbarges and floating the steelinto place. Once in position, thebarge was anchored in the exactlocation by using steel pilesdriven into the river bottom.
Day two brought the actual lift.The strand bundles wereattached to lifting beams underthe span. The lift began at 10a.m. Slowly the span was liftedinto place, only inches at atime, until it reached the bridgeapproximately 50 feet from theriver below. The strand jackingwas completed at 6 p.m., andwith only minor adjustmentsneeded, crews began the 10splice connections whichinvolved over 10,000 highstrength bolts. The final daysaw the continuation of boltinstallation and the removal ofthe barges and steel pile fromthe river bed.
“The strand jacking was one ofthe most challenging andsatisfying moments of mycareer,” said John Myler, theproject manager during thisphase of construction. “Manypeople worked long hours to
make this the great successthat it was and I am veryhonored to be a part of it.”In addition to the Hulton Bridgegirder line, Mommoet has usedstrand jacking in several highprofile projects including thesalvaging of a sunken Russiansubmarine in the Barents Seaand the lifting of two 2,220 tonreactors in Ras Laffen, Qatar. Itis believed that this is the firsttime that strand jacking hasbeen used in Pennsylvania.
The new 1,633 foot bridge isdue to be open in October of2015 in time for the 2016 USOpen Golf Championship,which will be played atOakmont Country Club locatedabout a mile away. The newstructure will expand to fourlanes and roadwayreconstruction and intersectionimprovements will occur at bothends of the bridge, which willimprove traffic flow and safety.
For more information on theHulton Bridge project visitwww.thehultonbridge.com.Also, a short time lapse videoand additional photos can befound at PennDOT’sFacebook/You Tube page athttps://youtu.be/r5FKdwPnhpU
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The District 6 Traffic Unit isproposing an innovative, cost-efficient solution to raw datacollection for assetmanagement and projectdelivery associated with safetyimprovement projects andactivities in the Philadelphiaregion.
The Traffic Unit plans to pilotthe use of LiDAR (LightDetection and Ranging)mobile/aerial mappingapplication to collect variousfeature information with surveyquality accuracy, which will beused to advance the District’ssafety improvement initiatives.The focus will be on designinglow-cost safety improvementsat high crash locations.
LiDAR mapping for this pilotwill include raw data,appropriate directory and filemanagement structure,Geographic InformationSystem- based (GIS)information by layers, andComputer –Aided Design andDrafting (CADD) plans todeliver highway safetyimprovement projects withimproved efficiency. LiDAR is aproven survey application,having been used by manyagencies and firms includingPennDOT.
Here’s how the Mobile LiDARsystem works: A vehicleequipped with state-of-the-artinstrumentation for datacollection, including integrated3D cameras, travels designatedroads at highway speeds to
scan, extract and store GPSlocations, GIS/asset mapping,signing and pavement markingplans, sign conditionassessments and otherinformation. The system canscan over one million points persecond and store the resultingdata in files. All images aregeocoded, time-stamped, andstored in a progressive JPEGformat - resulting in a GPStracking photo log for eachdirection of travel. The LiDARdata, geospatial data andimagery are all collectedsimultaneously so there is noadditional effort involved incollection and, therefore, noadditional cost.
The data can be used todevelop management systemsfor highway assets, including
signs, guiderail, pavementmarkings, traffic signals, ramps,and drainage structures. It alsocan provide historicpreservation data, topographicsurveys, and construction andengineering design accuracyinformation, making thetechnology useful for otherunits or departments.
If successful, the targeted assetdata will be a major contributorto the cost-effective delivery ofplans for future highway safetyimprovement projects. The rawdata collected could ultimatelybe used to screen the highwaynetwork to identity potentialsafety improvements utilizingHighway Safety Manual (HSM)methodologies.
By Brad Rudolph, Community Relations Coordinator, District 6
Piloting Mobile LiDAR
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Piloting Mobile LiDARSecretary Richards Wins Confirmation
PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards won unanimous Senateconfirmation on May 11, capping a series of meetings and hearings sheattended with senators since her appointment in January.
The Secretary looks forward to working with all PennDOT employees astogether we move forward with Governor Wolf’s agenda of agovernment that works.
Afterwards, the Governor said:
“Today’s unanimous Senate vote confirming Secretary Leslie Richards,Secretary Dennis Davin, Secretary Curt Topper and Major GeneralJames Joseph is a win for all Pennsylvanians. These individuals arehighly capable and well-respected officials with a proven track recordof experience in transportation planning, economic development, cost-saving management and military service. I look forward to theirleadership as we continue to move Pennsylvania forward.”
PennDOT, Conservation and Natural Resources Partnership to Save Time, Resources
The sites of DCNR equipment and PennDOT facilities in the agreement include:
• Beltzville equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Carbon County maintenance garage; • Canoe Creek equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Blair County maintenance garage; • Little Buffalo equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Perry County maintenance garage; • Mt. Pisgah equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Bradford County maintenance garage; • Ohiopyle equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Fayette County maintenance garage; • Parker Dam equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Clearfield and Elk county maintenance garages; • Ryerson Station equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Greene County maintenance garage; and • Forbes State Forest equipment will be serviced at PennDOT’s Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland county maintenance garages.
The partnership was developed through the state’s Mapping the Future initiative, involving PennDOT, DCNR, the Turnpike Commission andother agencies to save resources and avoid duplicating efforts. Mapping the Future supports the Governor’s Office of Transformation,Innovation, Modernization and Efficiency (GO-TIME)’s efforts to identify cost savings and efficiencies in state government.
In April, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) vehicles atseven state parks and one state forest began being serviced at nearby PennDOTfacilities through a new agreement expected to reduce DCNR staff time and travelcosts.
By using nearby PennDOT locations for preventive maintenance, repairs and whereapplicable, PA State Inspection and Emissions testing, DCNR will save time andresources. In rural locations, it is sometimes difficult to find nearby service stationsthat are vendors with the commonwealth to perform these services, resulting inadditional staff time and travel costs to have vehicles serviced.
In addition, DCNR mowing equipment at these sites can also be serviced at thedesignated PennDOT garages.
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Congressman Shuster Leads Efforts to Emphasize Importance of Infrastructure Funding
PennDOT, Partners Host Demonstration of Safety Enhancing Pavement Innovation
Secretary Richards joined Congressman Bill Shuster and othercolleagues from around the nation, in voicing a message to Congressand the President that investing in transportation makes sense forthe nation.
The Secretary, Congressman and other officials traveled the state tohighlight examples of transportation needs that rely on sustainablefunding. Pennsylvania receives roughly $1.6 billion a year in federalhighway and bridge funds.
“Whether it’s bridges or pavements, these assets serve to keep ourcitizens moving. Moving to their jobs, their kids’ schools, theirshopping and recreational venues - wherever they want or need togo,” Secretary Richards said. “Our citizens look to us, their leaders,to keep these assets viable.”
Pennsylvania set a model for the nation in addressing theseimportant issues. Both parties came together in November 2013 anddelivered Act 89, the state’s new long-range transportation plan. Act 89 allows PennDOT to add roughly $1 billion to its annualcontract awards – meaning more improvements for better pavementand further progress in driving down structurally deficient bridgenumbers.
Job creation is another benefit. The rule of thumb is that each $1billion of transportation investment translates into roughly 30,000jobs. With Act 89, tens of thousands of people have been put to workin good-paying jobs that will remain in Pennsylvania. At the sametime, transportation improvements are being added that set thestage for sustained economic growth. Pennsylvania made the toughbut needed choices, and the benefits are showing. It’s time forWashington to follow suit and set the entire nation on the road to abetter tomorrow.
Representatives of PennDOT and NorthCornwall Township, Lebanon County, joinedthe Federal Highway Administration and theState Transportation Innovation Council tohost a regional demonstration day on May 7,bringing together key stakeholders to exhibitthe application of an innovative, safetyenhancing pavement surface treatment.
High Friction Surface Treatment (HFS) useshigh-quality, wear-resistant aggregates orstones to provide increased friction and gripon pavements. This helps to keep a vehiclein its lane on slippery pavement aroundcurves and allows drivers to stop. Thematerials used to bond the stone to thepavement are designed to set quicklyso there is minimal impact to the traveling public.
“PennDOT as a whole is incorporating thistechnique into our toolbox to addresslocations known for crashes due to wetpavement or reduced pavement friction,”said PennDOT Deputy Secretary ScottChristie. “We’re eager to work with our localgovernment partners to assist them inadapting this innovative technique toenhance roadway safety in theircommunities.”
At the demonstration day, North CornwallTownship representatives along withindustry representatives demonstrated theapplication of a HFS treatment on the “S-curve” near Mill Road on Route 241 inLebanon County. According to a safetystudy using PennDOT and North CornwallTownship data, this location’s sharp
horizontal curves and narrow shouldershave contributed to approximately 11crashes per year since 2008.”
“I had the opportunity to attend classes onthe High Friction Surface Treatment process,and realized this application could be asolution to reduce crashes, increase motoristsafety, and reduce the burden on thetownship’s police department, and safetyresponse units,” said North CornwallTownship Public Works Director Thomas J.Long. “I highly recommend any municipalityexperiencing similar dangerous roadwayconditions to consider high friction surfacetreatment as a solution to reduce accidentson their state and local roads.”
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PennDOT’s Highway Safety Efforts
Over the last five years, PennDOT has invested $50 million for safety improvements, including low-cost safety countermeasures like centerlineand edge-line rumble strips.
PennDOT also invests about $20 million annually in state and federal funds for safety education and enforcement efforts statewide.Focusing on mature drivers, PennDOT offers statewide approved mature driver improvement courses, a brochure on talking with mature driversand other safety tips at its highway safety information website, www.JustDrivePA.com.
Pennsylvania Traffic Deaths Hit New Record Low in 2014, New CrashInformation Tool Released
Traffic deaths in Pennsylvania in 2014 reached an all-time low,continuing a favorable trend as safety advocates work towards thenationwide goal of zero fatalities.
While even one fatality is too many, the 2014 number totaled 1,195,the lowest since recordkeeping began in 1928.
Also, the public can now search for finalized crash and traffic fatalitydata using its new Pennsylvania Crash Information Tool, which isaccessible at www.dotcrashinfo.pa.gov. The new tool reflectsPennDOT’s commitment to meeting Gov. Tom Wolf’s agenda of“Government that Works.”
PennDOT data shows that while the number of highway deathsdropped in many types of crashes, there were significant decreasesin unbuckled, drinking-driver-related and hit-tree crashes last yearwhen compared to 2013. Unbuckled fatalities dropped from 425 to383. Deaths in drinking-driver related crashes declined to from 342to 294. Fatalities in hit-tree crashes decreased from 254 to 221.
Fatalities increased in some types of crashes, including thoseinvolving hit utility poles and drowsy or sleeping drivers. There were
113 fatalities in crashes involving hit utility poles, up from 103 in2013. Also, deaths in drowsy or asleep crashes increased to 23 from10 in 2013.
Fatalities in crashes involving drivers ages 65 and older alsoincreased, from 277 in 2013 to 300 in 2014.
With its release to the public, the Pennsylvania Crash InformationTool allows access to these and other types of crash data. The toolallows users to search data pulled from law enforcement crashreports involving passengers, drivers and different vehicle types.
The Custom Search Tool can display data showing the number ofcrashes, people involved, or vehicles involved. It can be filtered bytimeframe, county or municipality, and by various crashcharacteristics. Additional statistics available in the site are crash,fatality and major injury statistics as well as access to annual crashfacts publications.
Continuing with standard personal privacy policy and legal requirements,the tool will not provide access to specific police crash reports.
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Let’s Get Social
If you’re interested in the latest news, safetyreminders and events happening across thestate, ‘Like” our Facebook page or follow uson Twitter @PennDOTNews.
You can also check out videos that offerinsight into highway safety and otherinitiatives in which PennDOT is involved, allaimed at serving Pennsylvanians and thepeople who travel through the state.
We’re also excited to announce thatPennDOT’s launched a LinkedIn CompanyPage that provides information on excitingopportunities to be #PennDOTProud!
Free Courses Allow Motorcyclists to Start Riding Season Safely
PennDOT has begun offering allriders – from novice toexperienced – a chance to takeadvantage of valuable safetytraining through thePennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP), before hitting the road thisriding season.
Registration is now open for allPAMSP courses, which are freeto Pennsylvania residents whohave a motorcycle learner’spermit or motorcycle license. All training courses areconducted on a riding range,under the supervision ofcertified instructors.
"Both new and seasoned riderscan benefit from the valuableskills offered throughPennsylvania's free motorcycletraining," said SecretaryRichards. "Riding is aperishable skill which requiressharp reflexes and split-seconddecision making. The shortamount of time spent intraining translates into manysafe miles of riding."
The 15-hour Basic Rider Course(BRC), consisting of five hoursof in-class instruction and 10hours of practical riding,provides valuable training fornew riders and givesexperienced riders theopportunity to polish their skillsand correct any unsafe ridinghabits they may havedeveloped. Students taking theBRC are provided with amotorcycle and helmet;however, students areresponsible for providing allother protective gear. Act 84 of2012 put into place therequirement that all permitholders under the age of 18successfully complete the BRCin order to receive their license.
The six-hour Basic Rider Course2 (BRC2) allows skilled riders torefresh their safety knowledgeand hone their on-road skills.Licensed riders taking the BRC2are permitted to carry apassenger while practicingbalance and steering techniquesin a controlled environment.Students taking the BRC2 must
provide their own motorcycleand protective gear. The Advanced Rider Course(ARC), a one-day trainingsession modeled after a militarytraining course, offers licensedmotorcyclists a chance toenhance their safety skillsthrough a minimum of 3.5 hoursof classroom instruction and 4.5hours of practical ridingexperience designed toenhance riding attitude andawareness. Participants in theadvanced course are required touse their own motorcycle.
Rounding out the PAMSPtraining courses is the 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC), a 12-hourcourse comprised of four hoursof classroom instruction andeight hours of practical riding.Students must provide theirown three-wheeled motorcycleand protective gear.
Motorcycle learner's permitholders who successfullycomplete a course will beissued a motorcycle license.Those who successfully pass
their skills test on a three-wheeled motorcycle will beissued a motorcycle license witha "9" restriction, meaning theyare prohibited from operating atwo-wheeled motorcycle.
For more information or toenroll in a course, visitwww.pamsp.com or call 1-800-845-9533. Potential riders whowant a convenient way to studyfor their knowledge test candownload the PA MotorcyclePractice Test app by visitingwww.pa.gov and searching themobile apps for thePennsylvania MotorcycleLicense Practice Test.
Riders are also encouraged to visitwww.LiveFreeRideAlive.com, aninteractive website designedspecifically for motorcyclists.The website challenges riders totake personal responsibility fortheir own safety and offers anopen forum for riders to shareexperiences. They can alsopromise to be safe riders bytaking the Be One Less pledge.
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