Editor Pick Archives

‘Memorial Run’ rig, driver honor fallen firefighters

Dwain Hebda - February 24, 2021

Spend enough time on the road these days and you’ll quickly discover there are a lot of tribute trucks rolling down the highway. Each of them brings attention to a worthy group, from service men and women to cancer survivors and various other honorable causes. Randy Rogers, who’s driven on and off since 1999 and full-time since 2016, was always struck by the various rigs that he saw on his runs. But he also noticed one group that was conspicuously absent: firefighters. “I have a friend who has a 9/11 truck. I’ve seen other mass casualty references. I thought, ‘Nobody is taking care of our firefighters, and I want to remember all of them,’” said Rogers, a driver for Neosho, Missouri-based Certified Express Inc. The lack of a truck honoring fallen firefighters was no casual observance on Rogers’ part. Prior to his life on the road, he served 16 years as a firefighter, first in the wild lands of Oregon and years later in small-town and urban settings in Missouri. Firefighting is also a family affair — Rogers’ wife Elizabeth served as president of the local auxiliary for eight years, raising funds for families in need. “I lied to get on my first fire because I wasn’t old enough; I was almost 16,” he said. “I was young and dumb and thought I was going to save the world. I was God’s right-hand man and thought everyone was going to live. I grew up and grew wiser, and learned I wasn’t God’s right-hand man; I wasn’t going to be able to save everybody.” That reality included his fellow brothers in arms. During his firefighting career, Rogers lived through the demise of three colleagues, and attended the funerals of many more fallen first responders. Each experience of loss clings to him like soot. “I cannot explain the loss of a fellow firefighter or police officer, and I’ve experienced both,” he said. “It’s unexplainable; I never shed a tear when I lost my mother, but I can’t stand losing a firefighter. I can’t explain it.” On the highway, Rogers had plenty of time to think about what a memorial truck to fallen firefighters could look like, and with a background in graphic design, he was able to refine those ideas into a bold color scheme for a truck he calls “Memorial Run.” “Now, I’m not disrespecting any other truck out there — thank God for what they do — but there’s trucks out there where there’s so much (information) on the truck that, in passing, you don’t know what the moral of the story is,” he said. “That serves no purpose. I wanted someone to look at my truck doing 70 miles per hour and know what it is.” Rogers might have had the idea and the design, but what he lacked was an actual rig and the means to bring it to life. That all changed one day when he screwed down the courage to approach CEI’s CEO Scott Wade. “I had this idea for months,” he said. “A fellow driver is the father of one of my fallen fellow firefighters, and he’s the one that brought me back into driving again. I pitched this idea to him, and he said, ‘Just go to Scott.’” As it turned out, Wade had been considering wrapping a truck but had ideas for other causes. Rogers recalls being “about 14 seconds” into his vision for Memorial Run before the boss had heard enough. “He said, ‘You put together a design and shoot it to me.’ I sent it to him that afternoon and was scared to death to open his email response,” Rogers recalled. “Finally, I did, and he said, ‘I frickin’ love it.’ “Scott has been behind this 1,000 percent,” Rogers continued. “He gets to our funerals, parades, he puts his money where his mouth is. I almost feel guilty because he’s done so much for me on this.” Memorial Run I hit the road in April 2018 and, over the next two years, turned heads as it traveled throughout the lower 48. After two years on the road, the engine blew, paving the way for Memorial Run II, which rolled out in August 2020. This new incarnation of Memorial Run sports the same Maltese Cross, reflective detailing and the honored fallen listed on the memorial wall behind the cab. At present, the wall includes 13 gold ribbons and three mass casualties. Rogers said there’s no formal process for adding to the wall; names and stories reach him and some “just feel like they should be there.” He hopes the mere existence of the truck, designed to honor all, brings pride and joy to everyone who sees it. So far, that’s exactly what it has done. “I have two taglines. One is simply ‘… because we can’t forget,’ and I think we’ve accomplished the mission,” he said. “Are we done? No, not even close. I’m planning soon to get a matching trailer to go with the truck. I’m considering reaching out through my social media to market smaller gold ribbons for people, that would go on the trailer, and I think we can fit about 400 six-inch gold ribbons on it. I really want to get this done, but I need to learn to slow down. The good Lord is trying to teach me how.” Rogers hopes others will share his passion for honoring fallen first responders. “I want people to remember those dead firemen. I don’t care if you remember a name on our truck, just remember our guys go to work every day and sometimes they don’t come home,” he said. “I’ve been stopped and photographed by people. One guy followed my truck for 80 miles to take a photo. People have told me they saw my truck, and now every time they see a red truck, they think about mine. That’s the whole point.”

Tolls planned to fund Pennsylvania initiative to replace, upgrade bridges

The Trucker News Staff - February 19, 2021

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) on Feb. 18 announced the bridges under consideration for the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Initiative. The initiative is part of the agency’s study exploring sustainable transportation funding methods — namely, in this case, through bridge tolls. “Our reliance on funding models from the last century leaves us especially vulnerable to fund losses stemming from volatile economic conditions and the increasing transition to alternative-fuel or electric vehicles,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “This initiative will help us make much-needed improvements without compromising the routine projects our communities and industry partners rely on.” To support PennDOT Pathways, an alternative funding Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study is underway to identify near- and long-term funding solutions for the overall transportation system and establish a methodology for their evaluation. One of the early findings of the PEL study is that tolling of major bridges in need of replacement or rehabilitation appears to be a viable near-term solution. To advance this funding alternative, PennDOT is pursuing the first initiative of the PennDOT Pathways Program: The Major Bridge P3 Initiative. Approved by the Pennsylvania P3 Board in November, the Major Bridge P3 Initiative allows PennDOT to use the P3 delivery model for major bridges in need of rehabilitation or replacement, and to consider alternative funding methods for these locations. Through the P3 model, PennDOT can leverage private investment to rebuild critical bridges during a period with historically low interest rates and a favorable labor market. This initiative can provide a dedicated source of revenue for these infrastructure improvements and could create significant savings over the life of the program while ensuring the vitality of the state’s transportation system and economy. The bridges being considered for tolling through the Major Bridge P3 Initiative are structures of substantial size that warrant timely attention and would require significant funds to rehabilitate or replace. Additionally, these bridges were selected based on the feasibility of construction beginning in two to four years to maximize near-term benefits, and with the intention that their locations are geographically balanced to avoid impact to just one region. Projects being considered, and for which a public involvement process begins this spring, include: I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project (Berks County); I-79 Widening, Bridges and Bridgeville Interchange Reconfiguration (Allegheny County); I-80 Canoe Creek Bridges (Clarion County); I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges (Luzerne County); I-80 North Fork Bridges Project (Jefferson County); I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project (Luzerne and Carbon counties); I-81 Susquehanna Project (Susquehanna County); I-83 South Bridge Project (Dauphin County); and I-95 Girard Point Bridge Improvement Project (Philadelphia County). Each bridge’s project scope, surrounding roadway network, and traffic flow is being evaluated for inclusion in one or more project bundles to be advertised this spring. PennDOT is analyzing potential structures for project bundles to ensure fair, competitive and local participation in the P3 procurement to replace these bridges and anticipates issuing a Request for Information to industry partners in the week of February 22 to gather industry feedback on the project, with a Request for Qualifications anticipated this spring. According to a statement from PennDOT, bridge tolling provides funds to reconstruct or replace bridges without depleting the agency’s ability to complete current projects, allowing existing funding to continue to be used for needed roadway and bridge safety and operational improvements. Tolling would be all electronic and collected by using E-ZPass or license plate billing. The funds received from the toll would go back to the bridge where the toll is collected to pay for the construction, maintenance and operation of that bridge. For more information about PennDOT Pathways and the Major Bridge P3 Initiative, click here.

6 killed in 130-vehicle pileup on icy Texas interstate

The Associated Press - February 12, 2021

DALLAS — A massive crash involving more than 130 vehicles on an icy Texas interstate left six people dead and dozens injured Thursday, Feb. 11, amid a winter storm that dropped freezing rain, sleet and snow on parts of the U.S. At the scene of the crash on Interstate 35 near downtown Fort Worth, a tangle of semitrailers, cars and trucks had smashed into each other and had turned every which way, with some vehicles on top of others. “There were multiple people that were trapped within the confines of their vehicles and requiring the use of hydraulic rescue equipment to successfully extricate them,” said Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis. At least 65 people were treated at hospitals, with 36 of them taken by ambulance from the crash site, including three with critical injuries, said Matt Zavadsky, spokesman for MedStar, which provides the ambulance service for the area. Numerous others were treated at the scene and released, he said. The crash happened about 6 a.m., as many hospital and emergency workers were heading to and from work, so some of those involved were health care workers and emergency responders, including police officers, officials said. “We did see a large number of people that were victims of this accident that were in scrubs, that had hospital IDs on … in some cases, our folks would know those folks,” Zavadsky said. Fort Worth police Chief Neil Noakes said three officers were en route to work when they were injured in the crash, and one officer was injured while working the scene. He said all have been released from the hospital and that none of them suffered serious injuries. “The roadway was so treacherous from the ice that several of the first responders were falling on the scene,” Zavadsky said. Zavadsky said his crews carry a sand and salt mixture in the ambulances, which they used at the scene. At one point, he said, one of the ambulances was hit, but it sustained only minor damage and the crew members were fine. The ice storm came as a polar vortex — swirling air that normally sits over the Earth’s poles — has moved near the U.S.-Canada border, resulting in colder weather farther south than usual, said Steve Goss, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. “As a result we’re getting unusually or unseasonably cold air that’s spilling south across a good portion of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains,” he said. In Tennessee, police responded to about 30 traffic collisions and some flights were delayed at Memphis International Airport after freezing rain and sleet fell. In Kentucky, the governor declared a state of emergency to free up funding and help agencies coordinate as they responded to reports of slick roads and downed power lines. And in southern Indiana, schools and government offices closed. Goss said that smaller disturbances moving through the polar jet stream will bring “a shot of winter weather” into southern portions of the country. He said some areas that don’t normally get snowfall will likely see heavy amounts over the next several days. He said current estimates show some areas of the southern Plains could get a foot or more. By Jamie Stengle. Associated Press writers Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; Rebecca Reynolds Yonker in Louisville, Kentucky; and Ken Kusmer in Indianapolis contributed to this report.

Knight-Swift takes majority stake in software provider Eleos

The Trucker News Staff - February 8, 2021

PHOENIX — Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. last week announced it has acquired a majority ownership position in Eleos, a Greenville, South Carolina-based software provider. Eleos offers an independent, programmable mobile driver workflow platform for trucking fleets and drivers. This platform, which integrates with a variety of telematics, fleet management, and dispatch systems, is used by numerous North American fleets, including Knight-Swift. “The Eleos team and their software platform have been invaluable in creating a driver digital experience that enables safety, productivity, and low driver turnover. We especially appreciate the data privacy Eleos assures each customer, and such privacy will continue for each individual customer in the future,” said Dave Jackson, CEO of Knight-Swift. “This transaction is built on the strong foundation of trust and respect that Eleos has long held for the Knight-Swift leadership team; a team that, in my view, possesses a powerful combination of business skill and integrity,” added Kevin Survance, CEO of Eleos. “Now, backed by the strength of Knight-Swift, Eleos is well-equipped to achieve the goal of being the most trusted platform for mobile driver workflow in the transportation industry. I can say with complete sincerity that we are humbled and honored to join the Knight-Swift family of companies.”

Rescued by a rig: Dogs give driver a reason to keep on trucking

Gina Hoffman - February 5, 2021

Every morning, before she hits the road, Rebecca Washington takes her four dogs — Polly, Tucker, Junior and Ziggy — out for a 30-minute bathroom break. “They know in the mornings we’ve got to go, so … that’s not playtime,” Washington said. Tending to dogs is one of the things she does best, aside from driving for Road Legends, located in Lemont, Illinois. Though caring for four dogs simultaneously in the cab of her 2019 Kenworth T680 may seem unusual, having four dogs with her has not always been the case — in the past, Washington has traveled with even more. When Washington’s daughter, Jordan, went into early labor with Washington’s grandson, Hunter, Washington did not hesitate to bring her daughter’s dog, Nikki, into her rig for almost two months of dog sitting. Washington just happened to be passing through town when Jordan went into early labor. As Jordan was being transported to the hospital via ambulance, Washington loaded Nikki into her rig, while a friend loaded Jordan’s other children into their car. Because of the timing of the emergency, Jordan’s original plan of having a friend care for Nikki was not an option. Vehicles filled with adults, dogs and children followed the path of that ambulance to St. Louis from their hometown of Springfield, Missouri — roughly a three-hour drive. At the time, no one realized how long Jordan and baby Hunter would need to stay in the hospital. After Hunter was born, he required multiple surgeries on his back because of spina bifida. While most moms would be inclined to help their own families as much as possible, they might hesitate to go as far as Washington did in this case. Nikki joined six other dogs and four puppies — creating a grand total of 11 dogs — that were traveling over the road with Washington at the time. This was not the original plan, but Washington said she cannot sit idly when a dog is in need. A year and a half later, all is going well. “Oh, that little fat boy is just fine. He’s a happy boy,” Washington said. Nikki is also doing well, partially due to Washington’s sacrificial actions. Driving and dog ownership have always gone hand in hand for the Springfield, Missouri, resident. The choice to bring 11 dogs over the road for weeks at a time might seem astonishing to some, but this is not surprising to those who are close to Washington. “My friends call me ‘Elly May’,” said Washington, referring to Elly May Clampett, a character on “The Beverly Hillbillies” television series. Clampett was known for having a way with animals but could be tough as nails with recalcitrant humans when necessary. It is exactly this spirit that Washington embodies, and she is always in the right place at the right time to render aid to an animal in need — even if it means confronting difficult humans in the process. When Washington began her driving career 20 years ago, she had no intention of having 11 dogs on her rig. They came to her in a piecemeal fashion. She started out with one dog, a Shetland sheepdog named CiCi. CiCi was joined by Little Man, a Chihuahua/dachshund mix. Both dogs would ride with Washington for more than a decade before passing away. Polly, a rehomed Chihuahua that Washington acquired by responding to a Craigslist ad would be her next addition. “She’s the boss of the truck,” said Washington. “She thinks she owns [it].” Unbeknownst to Washington, that was only the beginning of her mission to rescue dogs. Chase, a miniature pinscher, earned his name and a place in the truck after a daunting seven-hour foot pursuit at a truck stop in California. “He was running under trucks and nobody knew whose puppy [he was],” Washington said. Chase fathered Tucker and Junior with Polly before passing away last year. “Junior is the most laid back, calm dog,” Washington said. “[Tucker] thinks he’s a big, bad pit bull. The vet said he weigh[s] 5 pounds,” she continued, adding that Tucker was supposed to be her granddaughter’s dog. “He ended up on the truck with me because he is so attached to his brother and his daddy. When I tried to leave him with my daughter, [he] stood up on his hind legs [and] was literally crying, with tears coming out of his eyes. He didn’t want to stay,” she explained. Next came Ziggy, a blue heeler. “This guy was dumping him out at a truck stop and was kicking him and throwing all of [Ziggy’s] stuff out [of his truck],” said Washington, who confronted the man. “He said, “I’m sick of him. I’m going to get rid of him. I’m going to leave him here. I said, “Over my dead body. If you don’t want him, put him in my truck. I’ll take him. It’s either me or the police,” she said. And so, in true Elly Mae fashion, Washington gained another member in her crew. Dogs are not the only animals Washington travels with in the truck. A gecko she acquired at Christmas will be her latest crew member. She intends to strap his terrarium in where the CB would typically go. “We had a traveling zoo,” she said. This is not the first reptile Washington has brought with her on the road, and she has hosted a variety of other creatures. In the past, she brought a bearded dragon, as well as ferrets, birds, cats and snakes, along for the ride. We’ve had it all on the truck,” she said. Nevertheless, it is the dogs that hold a special place in Washington’s heart. In the evening, after Washington stops for the night, she brings her dogs out of the rig for an extended bathroom break and playtime. If there is a dog park available, she will bring all four dogs out at once. “I couldn’t drive without my dogs,” she said. “They are the reason why I do what I do,” she said. “[Trucking] gets very lonely sometimes. I really feel like they are the ones that keep me going.” In the end, it can be hard to tell who truly rescued whom.

Buttigieg says Transportation Department will push ‘bold’ thinking

The Associated Press - February 3, 2021

WASHINGTON — Pete Buttigieg, sworn in Wednesday, Feb. 3, as transportation secretary, urged his 55,000 employees to embrace “imaginative, bold, forward thinking” as the Transportation Department embarks on a vital mission to rebuild America’s infrastructure and foster equality. “We will continue to prioritize safety as the foundation of everything we do,” Buttigieg said in his email message, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “And at the same time, we will break new ground: in ensuring that our economy recovers and rebuilds, in rising to the climate challenge, and in making sure transportation is an engine for equity in this country.” He added that the department’s mission “has never been more important than in this season of change and possibility.” In a broader video message, he tweeted to the American public, Buttigieg stressed both the challenges and opportunities ahead in improving America’s transportation system. “Today we face an unprecedented health crisis, we’re navigating an economy in danger and our nation is reckoning with the impacts of systemic racism,” he said in the one-minute campaign-style video. “But with new leadership comes a new opportunity, a chance to build our transportation system back better than it ever was before. “There is so much work to do, but I am deeply optimistic about where this journey will lead,” he said. Buttigieg, a 39-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and former Democratic presidential candidate, was sworn in Feb. 3 by Vice President Kamala Harris, at a ceremony in the Old Executive Office Building in the White House complex. Buttigieg, the first openly gay person to be confirmed to a Cabinet post, took the oath on a Bible belonging to his mother and held by his husband, Chasten. He was confirmed Tuesday, Feb. 2, by the Senate on an 86-13 vote, making him the second of Biden’s Democratic rivals to have a place in the administration, with Harris being the first. Praised by Biden as bringing a “new voice” to the administration, Buttigieg has pledged to quickly get to work promoting safety and restoring consumer trust in America’s transportation networks as airlines, buses, city subway systems and Amtrak reel from plummeting ridership in the coronavirus pandemic. He also is expected to play an important role in promoting Biden’s green initiatives, supporting the president’s push later this year on a $2 trillion climate and infrastructure plan that would rebuild roads and bridges and expand zero-emission mass transit while boosting electric vehicle infrastructure. In his email to staff Wednesday, Feb. 3, Buttigieg said he will spend the next few weeks on a virtual listening tour with employees and looked forward to fulfilling Biden’s vision of a thriving America “in partnership with all of you.” He said he will work to “ensure that every single day, everyone here finds the Department to be a place of belonging and welcome — and that together, we cultivate a supportive, imaginative, bold, forward-thinking and kind working environment.” Describing himself and his enthusiasm for transportation, Buttigieg recounted to employees how he loved travel and adventure as a child, with his bedroom adorned with a Lego monorail, a wooden ship bought by his grandfather when he was a Merchant Marine, and little model airplanes brought home by his father from business trips. “I know that, at its best, transportation makes the American Dream possible, getting people and goods to where they need to be — and directly and indirectly creating good-paying jobs,” he said. “We also must recognize that at their worst, misguided policies and missed opportunities can reinforce racial and economic inequality, dividing or isolating neighborhoods, undermining the government’s basic role of empowering Americans to thrive. “The legacy of American transportation can be both weighty and inspiring — and its future is of fundamental national importance,” Buttigieg told employees. “Here’s to all that’s ahead.” By Hope Yen, The Associated Press

Mississippi looks at penalties for blocking roadways

The Associated Press - January 29, 2021

JACKSON, Miss. — Republican lawmakers in Mississippi are seeking to increase penalties for people who block public roadways during protests. Several Democrats, however, are expressing concerns about legislation that could be seen as criminalizing free speech. Republican Sen. Chad McMahan of Guntown proposed the “Freedom of Roadway Act” to “criminalize the malicious obstruction of a public street, highway or road during an unpermitted protest.” Senate Bill 2283 would require that protesters who block roadways with no permit be fined up to $1,500, serve up to a year in jail or both. The minimum punishment would be a $500 fine and a 25-day jail sentence. McMahan told the Senate Judiciary B Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 27, that he drafted the bill after being approached by the Tupelo police chief, who was concerned after seeing protesters blocking roadways in other parts of the country. McMahan mentioned a protest outside of Memphis, Tennessee, where people blocked traffic on a four-lane highway. There have been several protests in Memphis, over the killing of Black men by police, that have closed roadways during the last few years. “There was a protest in Columbia, Mississippi, on Highway 98 where some folks from out of town came and blocked the road after some of these police deaths and things across the country,” said Republican Sen. Angela Burks Hill of Picayune, a co-sponsor of the bill. “It almost turned into the citizens handling the blocking of the roadway,” she said. “I think that — anything to deter somebody from wanting to do this. We don’t want anybody getting hurt.” However, Democratic Sens. Angela Turner-Ford of West Point and Derrick Simmons of Greenville raised concerns about the legality of criminalizing gatherings without a permit. “I’m just concerned about criminalizing potentially protected speech,” Simmons said. The majority of lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary B Committee said they would not support sending the legislation to the full Senate for a vote as it was written. Simmons proposed a compromise — increasing penalties on an existing law that bans any person from obstructing roadways, instead of passing legislation specifically targeting protesters. The change would increase the current punishment of $500 or six months in jail for blocking roadways to McMahan’s proposal of $1,500, a year in jail or both, with a minimum $500 fine and 25 days in jail. The amended proposal was passed by committee members unanimously and will now go on to the full Senate. By Leah Willingham, The Associated Press/Report for America.

Canadian border officials make record meth seizure, file charges against truck driver

The Trucker News Staff - January 29, 2021

COUTTS, Alberta — Christmas Day wasn’t very merry for one Canadian truck driver, according to a Jan. 27 statement released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). On Dec. 25, 2020, a tractor-trailer with a load of produce, driven by Amarpreet Singh Sandhu, 38, of Calgary, approached the Coutts, Alberta, port of entry and was referred for secondary inspection by CBSA officers. While examining the shipment, CBSA officers uncovered and seized 228.14 kilograms (502.96 pounds) of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $28.5 million — the largest meth seizure at a land-border crossing on record in Canada. This amount of methamphetamine translates to 2.28 million individual doses. “While many Canadians were celebrating Christmas at home, border services officers at Coutts remained on the front line to protect our country,” said Ben Tame, director for the Southern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan District, Prairie Region, of CBSA. “It is because of CBSA officers’ diligence while screening essential goods that this record amount of methamphetamine did not reach our streets or cause harm to our communities.” Sandhu was arrested by CBSA officers; he and the evidence were turned over to the Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). After further investigation, RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) charged Sandhu on two counts — importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking — pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. “The success of this operation is a testament to the strong partnership the RCMP shares with CBSA, and law enforcement agencies across Canada,” said Superintendent K.C.A. (Allan) Lai, a federal policing operations officer with Alberta RCMP’s federal policing criminal operations. “We know that crime has no borders, and it is imperative that we continue working with our partners, like CBSA, to share information and coordinate enforcement action as needed to keep Canadians from the harms of illegal drugs and crime related to smuggling in Alberta and all of Canada.” Sandhu was released from custody on Jan. 14, and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 11, at the Lethbridge Provincial Courthouse. The previous record for amount of methamphetamine seized at a land border crossing was approximately 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds), from an incident on Dec. 24, 2019, at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry in Windsor, Ontario.

Minnesota tests ‘snowplow alert’ signs to boost safety on I-35

The Trucker News Staff - January 28, 2021

OWATONNA, Minn. — Drivers on Interstate 35 in southern Minnesota might have noticed new “snowplow alert” messages on digital highway signs recently, warning of slow-moving maintenance vehicles ahead. It’s all part of a test of the technology that activates the signs that’s being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). “Alerting motorists that they’re approaching a slow-moving snowplow can improve safety for our operators and motorists,” said Ron Heim, MnDOT’s maintenance supervisor in Owatonna. “MnDOT is focused on safety and we think this use of technology will help everyone on the road.” The department has equipped 10 MnDOT snowplows that operate along I-35 between Iowa and Northfield with technology that activates the digital message signs as they pass. During snow events, signs notify drivers: “Snowplow ahead, use caution.” During non-snow conditions, the message alerts: “Maintenance vehicle ahead, use caution.” The message stays activated for several minutes after the MnDOT vehicles pass. Snowplows can create “snow clouds” when clearing roads at slower speeds. Warning signs can also be used at other times of year for uses such as maintenance work when crews are repairing high-tension cable median guard or striping roads. Data from the past few years shows that many crashes involving snowplows were rear-end collisions when motorists strike the back of the snowplow. MnDOT hopes using this technology and warning system could reduce and prevent these types of crashes in the future. MnDOT snowplows and maintenance vehicles use existing automatic location technology and the signs are equipped to receive the signal that triggers the message when they travel near the sign. This pilot project is part of MnDOT’s connected and automated vehicle research to understand how advancing technology can improve safety. Minnesota is preparing for connected and automated vehicles by observing emerging technology trends and testing those solutions to see how they solve Minnesota transportation challenges. MnDOT’s Connected and Automated Vehicle Office (CAV-X) is the state’s lead office for connected and automated vehicle technology engagement, policy, testing and partnerships. “Our trucks are already providing data, so we’re able to build off of that and test this concept,” said Jed Falgren, MnDOT’s state director for transportation system management and operations. “We can improve safety and this an important test that should show us what can come next.”