Motorists:

Motorists are required to obey all traffic laws regarding school buses, in particular the School Bus Stopping Law. Vehicles in both directions must stop when a school bus has stopped and its overhead lights are flashing and the Stop Arm is extended. This law is designed to protect children who may be getting on or off the bus. Motorists should remember that school vehicles are not just found in rural areas. Motorists should also be aware that school buses are required by law to stop at all railway crossings.

Ministry of Transportation (Ontario):

Once the vehicle is in operation, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is responsible for establishing rules and regulations pertaining to vehicles (such as school vehicles), driver qualifications and licensing, and vehicle inspections through the Highway Traffic Act. MTO also regulates the deployment of safety equipment (such as stop arms and flashing lights) unique to school buses.

Ministry of Education and Training, Ontario:
The Ministry of Education and Training provides a grant to school boards for pupil transportation. The decision regarding how transportation is provided rests with the school board.

School Bus Safety Rules

The following information is useful for school bus riders and their parents.
Rules for getting on the bus safely:
1. Be at the bus stop on time. Never run to or from the bus.
2. Wait at the designated stop in a safe place well back from the side of the road.
3. Remember the danger zone around the bus. The danger zone is anywhere close enough to the bus to touch it. The bus driver cannot see you when you are in the danger zone.
4. If you cross the street to get on the bus: when the bus comes, wait until it has come to a complete stop. The bus driver will make sure all the traffic stops. The stop arm will be out and the red lights will be flashing. Watch the driver. When the driver knows it is safe, he or she will signal you to cross, but watch for traffic yourself. Walk, don't run.
5. Hold the hand rail as you get on the bus. Don't push or shove.

One person, one seat belt

Effective December 1, 2006, in Ontario, every person travelling in a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt or use a child safety seat. The penalty for seat belt infractions is a fine between $60 and $500. Convicted offenders will receive two demerit points. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that passengers under 16 years of age are using the seat belt or an appropriate child car seat proper
Police officers may request that passengers who appear to be at least 16 years of age provide their name, address and date of birth. These passengers may face a fine for not using or wearing a seat belt properly.
There are limited exemptions from wearing seat belts.

Cycling Skills

Cycling can be enjoyed safely when you understand the rules of the road and practise proper safety and handling techniques.
This is your guide to cycling safety. Whether you're new to cycling or you are an experienced cyclist, this guide contains important information, tips and techniques to make you a safe, confident rider.
You may also want to consider taking a CAN-BIKE cycling course to help boost your skills, safety and cycling pleasure. All CAN-BIKE instructors are fully accredited in CAN-BIKE, are knowledgeable about the Highway Traffic Act and have advanced cycling skills. Check with your local cycling organization or police service for course information.

Thunderstorm possible cause for train derailment

The ATSB has found that strong winds during a thunderstorm could have caused a train derailment in central South Australia.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has today released its final report into the investigation of a freight train derailment near Tarcoola in South Australia on 1 November 2006.

The FreightLink train, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide, derailed during a thunderstorm about five kilometres east of Tarcoola. Freight wagons in the middle of the train appeared to have 'tipped over' while the train was travelling at about 67km/h in a severe thunderstorm and there was no evidence of any track or train defect that could have caused the derailment.

The investigation established that it was possible that the combined effects of strong winds at the time and the wagons' natural oscillations while travelling could have been sufficient to initiate overturning of the wagons lightly loaded with double stacked freight containers.

In the interests of enhancing future rail safety, FreightLink has been proactive in adopting a number of measures to address the safety issues identified by the ATSB and the ATSB has recommended that further action be considered.

Reporting collisions

By law, all motor vehicle collisions must be reported to the police if there are any personal injuries or fatalities, and where damage to vehicles is $1,000 or more. Damage to public or private property must also be reported to the police. Motorists involved in a collision are required to provide their name, address, driver’s licence number, licence plate number, insurance information, and the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle to police and to any person involved in the collision.

Every driver involved in a collision must remain at the scene of the collision to offer assistance when needed especially where there are injuries or fatalities. The penalty for failing to report a collision and/or failing to provide the required information is a fine of $200 to $1,000, three demerit points, a possible jail term and suspension of your driver’s licence. The penalty for leaving the scene of a collision also includes seven demerit points.

When reporting a collision to police that does not involve injuries or fatalities, you may be instructed to go to a self-reporting collision centre or a police station. Police will attend the scene of collisions involving a fatality or injury, collisions involving three or more vehicles, or where towing is required.

Remember the following steps if you are involved in or come upon a collision:

* Call police or have someone call for you.

* If there are no injuries and the vehicles are drivable, move them as far off the road as possible. If they cannot be moved, set up warning signals or flares or have someone warn approaching drivers.

* If there are injuries, fatalities, fuel leaks or serious vehicle damage, do not move the vehicle(s). Turn off all engines. Do not smoke, light a match or put flares near any vehicle that is leaking fuel. If there is a fire, get the people out and make sure everyone is well out of the way. If there is no danger of fire or explosion, leave injured people where they are until medical help arrives.

If you are trained in first aid, treat injuries in the order of urgency, within your level of training. If you do not have first aid training, use common sense and give the kind of help that you would hope to get like covering the person with a blanket or jacket to prevent or reduce the effects of shock. Stay with injured people until help arrives.

The Driving Safety Cycle

Plan, scan, think, decide, act PLAN: Before you begin driving, plan your route, make sure your car is properly prepared and make alternate transportation arrangements when appropriate.
SCAN: Pay close attention to what is happening all around you. Look and listen for situations that may require you to react quickly.
THINK: Consider how safety will be affected by what you have seen or heard.
DECIDE: Decide how to handle the situation so you feel in control.
ACT: Apply good judgment to eliminate unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.
Deciding When to Stop Driving: Warning Signs
1. Increasing number of near collisions.
2. Direct involvement in minor collisions.
3. Difficulty seeing pedestrians, objects and other vehicles.
4. Difficulty co-ordination hand and foot movements.
5. Increased nervousness when behind the wheel.
Transportation Alternatives
* Public transportation.
* Friends and family members who drive.
* Keep your vehicle and have others drive for you e.g. volunteer driver programs.
* Scheduled or customer call request van/bus pick-up.
* Taxi voucher system.
* Community access bus or van pools.

Medical Condition Reporting

The Physician's Requirement to Report Patients
Section 203 of the Highway Traffic Act requires that all legally qualified medical practitioners must report to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles the name, address and clinical condition of any patient sixteen years of age or older who, "is suffering from a medical condition that may make it dangerous for the person to operate a motor vehicle".
To simplify the medical reporting process, the Joint Ministry of Health and Long Term Care/Ontario Medical Association Forms Committee has worked with the Ministry of Transportation to develop a reporting form for legally qualified medical practitioners.

Stronger laws for the safe restraint of children

Australia's Transport Ministers today announced their unanimous support for new national child restraint laws, which provide a safe pathway from capsules to seat belts.

In response to calls from road safety experts and the community for tougher minimum standards, children up to 6 months old must be restrained in a rearward facing infant capsule; then a forward facing child seat until the age of 4; and a booster seat from 4 to 7 years old.

The new road rules will reduce the risk of injury caused by seat restraints which are unsuitable for the child’s weight and height.

While most parents and carers strive to do the right thing using guidance material already available, the research shows some children are moving to bigger seats too early.

A child's age is an easily understood guide, which will help parents and carers choose the safest seat restraint for their children.

The reform package also recognises the increased safety protection offered by rear car seats.

Children up to four years old must be restrained in the rear of a vehicle. A child aged 4 to 7 years old must be seated at the back, unless all the rear seat positions are occupied by other young children (under 7 years old).

A further review of the laws will follow if 'large' booster seats - suitable for older children between 7 and 12 years old - are approved and become available.

Currently, 500 children up to the age of 10 are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents, with 2,300 sustaining minor injuries.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) facilitated extensive national public consultation on the proposals before making their recommendation to Transport Ministers. The amended laws will be progressed by States and Territories for implementation.

The NTC report also includes amendments clarifying give-way provisions at roundabouts and pedestrian safety at level crossings.

Buses and public vehicles

Buses and other public vehicles are required to stop at railway crossings that do not have automatic warning devices, such as barriers or signal lights. School buses must stop at all railway crossings whether or not they have signals or barriers. As a motorist, be prepared to stop behind these vehicles.
Commercial vehicle drivers
Photo of railway crossing sign with flashing lights be familiar with railway crossings on your route. Avoid crossings where low-slung units can get stuck on raised crossings. Know the length of your vehicle and load overhang in relation to space available to safely clear a crossing on the other side.
Pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrians, cyclists and users of other wheeled mobility devices must obey railway crossing laws just as motorists. The only place you may cross is at an authorized and properly marked railway crossing. Look both ways when approaching the track(s). Never try to beat an approaching train. Stop at least five meters from the nearest rail. Never go around, under or through a railway gate while it is down or is being lowered or raised. Wait for the train(s) to pass. Look both ways to be sure the way is clear before crossing. If you're a pedestrian, avoid stepping onto the rail while crossing, as it can be slippery. When cycling, always cross the tracks at right angles to the rails.

Laboratory Investigations of Frozen Strength

Following production of material for the truck arrester bed from the Randon source, two series of tests were conducted to investigate the frozen strength of the aggregate. As would be expected, there is a direct correlation between moisture content and strength; the more ice, the stronger the frozen material. For the material to work as intended in winter conditions, it is necessary that the moisture content be as low as possible. This in turn is related to the ability to drain water and the cleanliness of the aggregate.

Runaway Truck
In September 2003, a truck entered the bed and became stuck as designed. It appears that the trucker had not heeded the warnings at the approach to the bed and pulled to the left to overtake a slower truck and entered the bed for the upper end. The materials were not frozen. It is not thought that the brakes had failed. As found in earlier testing, the tractor wheels became deeply embedded but the trailer wheels showed relatively little embedment and travelled in the grooves made by the wheels in front.

Train Accidents Decline for Third Consecutive Year, Other Rail Safety Data Improves

The number of train accidents across the Nation declined for the third consecutive year according to preliminary 2007 data released today by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.

"Our strong focus on improving rail safety is achieving significant results for three years running now," Secretary Peters said, noting there has been 833 fewer train accidents, or a 24.6 percent reduction when comparing the period from 2004 to 2007.

Peters stressed that some of the safety gains are attributable to aggressive implementation of the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) National Rail Safety Action Plan first launched in May 2005. It focuses on the most frequent, highest-risk causes of train accidents; optimizes the use of data to target federal inspection and enforcement resources; and accelerates research initiatives that hold promise to mitigate the greatest potential safety risks, she explained.

"We are targeting our safety activities on specific problem areas," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman, highlighting that the two leading causes of train accidents-human error and track—have declined 28.8 percent and 15.7 percent, respectively since 2004.

Comparing the preliminary full-year 2007 data to 2006, Peters stated that last year railroads had 406 fewer train accidents nationwide, or a 13.7 percent reduction. California (down 46), Texas (down 45), and New York (down 30) led the way among the 34 states that experienced reductions, she said.

Also, last year the number of highway-rail grade crossing incidents fell by 6.9 percent and grade crossing fatalities decreased by 8.1 percent to 339. And, trespass fatalities, the number one cause of all rail-related deaths, decreased by 6.2 percent to 486.

Boardman said that in 2007 the FRA added two new automated track inspection vehicles to its fleet enabling the agency to triple the number of track-miles inspected annually; announced approval of new Positive Train Control (PTC) technology for deployment in regular freight rail service, issued a proposed rule to encourage expanded use of safer Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) train braking systems, and undertook several wide-ranging grade crossing safety initiatives.

Thus far in 2008, the FRA issued a final rule designed to reduce common operating practice mistakes that result in nearly half of all human factor-caused train accidents. And, this spring the FRA intends to issue a proposed rule to strengthen the design standards and structural integrity of rail tank cars that carry hazardous materials, Boardman emphasized.

Peters praised the railroad industry with making an important contribution toward improved rail safety and for its continuing cooperation with FRA’s safety program.

Slip lining Culvert Rehabilitation

Since 1995, MTO has made use of innovative slip lining technology to rehabilitate drainage pipes. Sliplining culverts (SLC) reduce the need for open trench construction and costly road closures by relining the deteriorated portion of a culvert with inserted liners/pipes that meet or exceed MTO material standards. In the past, reinforcing existing culverts has saved the ministry between 30 to 50 percent in direct and indirect costs, yielded a greater degree of accuracy for total project cost estimates and provides an environmentally sensitive alternative to open cut construction.

A culvert is traditionally defined as a pipe that conveys surface water or air through an embankment. It can be used as an equalizer in a wetland environment, thereby preventing adverse drainage impact and allowing highway infrastructure to be built across water passages. Lining of the existing pipe is usually done if the pipe is in good shape/condition and the reduced flow capacity is acceptable. Previously, MTO utilized open cut construction to remove and replace existing drainage pipes. Rehabilitation of culverts with open cut technology involved detouring traffic off-highway or costly construction staging to permit the on-site flow of traffic. The existing water passages were dammed and excavation occurred at the project site as well as the surrounding highway. The original culvert was removed and a replacement installed with new granular compacted around the sides. Once re-covered, the pavement would be replaced to match existing highway conditions.

While open cut construction effectively replaced deteriorated culverts, local road detours required the cooperation of affected municipalities and MTO to investigate suitable detours and construction time. The staging and traffic management involved with open cut construction on a high traffic volume roadway is not generally preferable.

SLC enables the construction to be simplified with far less adverse effects on the surrounding environment. The existing culvert remains intact for suction cleaning, then a new pipe inserted and secured into the old. The cavity between the old and new form is blocked with grout and the water flow restored. A temporary trench may be dug into the back slope of the ditch to allow a level entry of the new culvert (Figure 1). In contrast to the necessary granular and new pavement for the highway, SLC requires no backfill or pavement replacement after project completion, thereby preventing the risk of insufficient compaction or the risk of settlement. Construction occurs within 4-5 workdays with little impact on highway traffic flow, sensitive streams and fish habitats, and lowered use of aggregates or pavement. While the cross section of the pipe is reduced from inserting a replacement into the old steel pipe, the smooth lining material will usually maintain the flow capacity of the culvert (Figure 2).

There are different lining materials available, including steel liner, stainless steel liner, and fiberglass and plastic. For the past decade, one of the products the ministry has used with success has been Weholite, a lightweight, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) closed profile wall pipe for sliplining roadway culverts. The HDPE pipes meet MTO material requirements for non-pressure polyethylene plastic pipe products, bringing corrugated steel pipe culverts to current safety standards on freeways and exceeding current standards on secondary highways. Weholite pipes are joined with the Thread-Loc" joint, wherein corresponding male and female Thread-Loc" ends are rotated into each other, eliminating the need for special equipment. HDPE pipes are chemically inert, corrosion and abrasion resistant and lightweight. The ministry has experienced lower installation costs, and lower transport costs. Full culvert replacement is considered only once the option of SLC is ruled out.

In 2006, Operational Services - London Area Office in Southwestern Region tendered a project for SLC of 8 culverts crossing Highway 403, west of Brantford. Alexman Contracting was awarded the contract using Terrafix Geosynthetics as a subcontractor to supply Weholite from KWH Pipe as the lining material. Approximately 202 metres of 36-inch diameter pipe was utilized on site. The September 2006 project was completed in one week, with cost savings on liner type, construction and restoration time. The ministry also experienced minimal traffic disruptions, repair costs, and the service life reduction normally associated with open cut construction. MTOs commitment to environmentally friendly innovation that meets or exceeds current standards has made sliplining the leading culvert maintenance technique.

Promote Youth Highway Safety

• Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for 15- through 20-year-olds.
• From 1996 through 2005, almost 64,000 youth aged 15 through 20 died in traffic crashes—122 each week.
• In 2005, 3,467 drivers 15 through 20 years old were killed, and an additional 281,000 15- through 20-year-olds were injured in motor vehicle crashes. In 2005, 7,460 15- through 20-year-old drivers were involved in fatal crashes, resulting in 8,609 total fatalities.
• In 2004, teen drivers constituted only 6.3 percent of licensed drivers, but were involved in 12.6 percent of all highway fatal crashes and 16 percent of all police-reported crashes.
• The risk of a crash involving a teenage driver increases with each additional teen passenger in the vehicle.

Yield the Right of Way (Driver safety)

There are times when you must yield the right-of-way. This means you must let another person go first.

Illustration of pedestrian crossing here are some rules about when you must yield the right-of-way:

* At an intersection without signs or signals, you should yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the right.

* At an intersection with stop signs at all corners, you must yield the right-of-way to the first vehicle to come to a complete stop. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.

* At any intersection where you want to turn left or right, you must yield the right-of-way. If you are turning left, you must wait for approaching traffic to pass or turn and for pedestrians in your path to cross. If you are turning right, you must wait for pedestrians to cross if they are in your path.

* A yield sign means you must slow down or stop if necessary and yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or on the intersecting road.

* When entering a road from a private road or driveway, you must yield to vehicles on the road and pedestrians on the sidewalk.

* You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing at specially marked pedestrian crossings.

Remember, signaling does not give you the right-of-way. You must make sure the way is clear.

Graduated Licensing for Motorcycle Riders

Class M2

You must pass an M1 road test or complete an approved motorcycle safety course before receiving a Class M2 licence. You must have a Class M2 licence for a minimum of 22 months. If you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, you may reduce this time requirement by four months. With an M2 licence, you gain more privileges - you may ride at night and on any road. However, at this level:

· Your blood alcohol level must be zero;

· you will be eligible to take a Class M road test after you have completed the time required with an M2 licence;

· You must pass this test to get a Class M licence.

Note: Class M2 and Class M licence holders may also drive Class G vehicles under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder.

With a Class M2 licence, the operator can drive a moped, limited-speed motorcycle and a motorcycle.

Car Safety Tips

Automobiles and other vehicles are designed and manufactured with safety in mind. But for older drivers, safety features are especially important since death rates due to injuries from crashes are much higher for older people than for younger age groups. These higher death rates are due to the fact that fragility increases as we age and our ability to withstand the forces involved in a crash become much lower. Here are six safety tips to consider when buying a car:

Here are some safety features to consider when buying a car:

1. Ensure safety belts work. Safety belts provide protection against all types of collisions. In a crash situation, if you are correctly belted, you are better able to maintain control. The safety belt enhances your ability to stay in position behind the steering wheel and to retain control of the vehicle.
2. Look for a vehicle with air bags and head restraints. Frontal driver and passenger air bags provide protection in head-on collisions. Side or "curtain" airbags provide protection in side impact collisions. Head restraints prevent your head from being snapped back in a rear-end collision.
3. Choose color wisely. Exterior color makes a difference. Cars that are brighter and lighter in color are easier for other drivers to see at night and when it rains.
4. Get anti-lock breaks. Anti-lock brakes improve stopping and steering control during sudden stops.
5. Check for side-view mirrors. Side-view mirrors on both sides of the car help with lane changing and passing
6. Get an adjustable front seat. An adjustable front seat allows you to keep proper distance between you and the steering wheel in case your airbag activates and helps you keep your head above the steering wheel for maximum visibility.

Highway Element Investment Review Guidelines

With the development of its Highway Element Investment Review (HEIR) Guidelines, and accompanying spreadsheet calculation tool, MTO has taken another step toward ensuring its infrastructure dollars go where they'll bring the biggest benefit to highway users. The HEIR Guidelines replace the Prioritized Contract Content (PCC) Guidelines and is now the tool to use when determining the cost-effectiveness of elemental highway improvements.

As part of the HEIR Guidelines project, similar tools used across North America were reviewed. The new HEIR Guidelines is a state-of-the-art prioritization and justification tool that includes several noteworthy enhancements over the PCC Guidelines:

* A robust spreadsheet program that greatly simplifies benefit/cost calculations

* Improved formulas for estimating collision reduction

* Updated economic analysis methodology

* The ability to analyze more highway elements types

* More worked examples of potential highway element improvements

* A detailed procedure with clear roles and responsibilities for storing and analyzing results

* Guiding philosophy on the relationship between safety, cost-effectiveness and design

* Updated guidance for improvements that have no collision reduction equations

* An explanation of how the HEIR Guidelines relates to the Corridor Investment Planning process

Since the PCC Guidelines were first published in 1997, significant developments have been made in the science of estimating the performance of highway safety improvements. Examples include, the Science of Highway Safety initiative and the study of Collision Modification Factors completed for MTO in 2003. The HEIR Guidelines not only builds on these developments but also on the research carried out as part of the HEIR project.

The new HEIR Guidelines deal with specific improvements not covered by the ministry's other tools. The Guidelines include both benefit/cost equations and relevant non-economic considerations that should be reviewed when assessing potential highway improvements. It will supplement, rather than replace, the ministry's existing standards and policies.

The Guidelines includes sections dealing with pavement, highway geometrics, roadside, drainage, structures, traffic signals, pavement markings, signing, barrier systems, medians, illumination, operational improvements, and facilities.

Training courses are planned to start in fall 2007. Self-study training courses for the HEIR Guidelines and spreadsheet calculation tool are planned to be available on the MTO Intranet.

With the launch of the HEIR Guidelines, MTO will be one step closer to realizing its Asset Management goal of making “the right investment, in the right place, at the right time."

SmartWay Truck Emissions Test Protocol

Recognizing that advancements in heavy duty vehicle technology offer opportunities for cleaner, more fuel-efficient medium and heavy-duty vehicles, EPA’s SmartWaySM Transport Partnership is collaborating with the transportation industry to develop a SmartWay Truck Emissions Test Protocol that better quantifies the benefits of various heavy vehicle designs and technologies. EPA seeks to create a test protocol to compare the relative emissions and fuel-efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles. However, without a standard, objective, stand-alone test method, it is difficult to develop a common understanding of how to assess criteria air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and fuel-efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles, including vehicles with hybrid powertrain, aerodynamic configuration, and other advanced vehicle designs and components.

Such information can assist the Agency in establishing performance-based eligibility criteria for the next generation of SmartWay trucks, and to quantify the benefits of hybrid vehicles for vehicle-based certification.

Such a standard methodology does not currently exist so EPA has developed this working draft SmartWay Truck Emissions Test Protocol (PDF) (76 pp, 900K, EPA-420-P-07-003, November 2007) as a starting point for discussion among stakeholders. This working draft is a first step toward a performance-based specification that would be technology-neutral, able to quantify a broad range of heavy vehicle configurations and applications, and able to measure technical innovations as they emerge. EPA is soliciting additional information and critical input to address areas of uncertainty and clarify outstanding issues.

Island Park Bridges Rapid Replaced Within 15 Hours

On August 11, 2007 Ministry of Transportation (MTO) used rapid replacement technology for the first time to lift, remove and replace 2 existing bridges at Island Park on Highway 417 in Ottawa. The successful operation took only 15 hours to complete. The Highway was closed at 8:00pm and all lanes were officially open by 1:00pm on August 12th 2007.

Rapid replacement technology is a construction technique whereby a new structure is erected in an enclosed staging area (figure 1), while the existing sub-structure is rehabilitated. Once built, the new structure is then carried over to the site and put in place using Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMT) (figure 2), while the old structure is moved to the staging area and dismantled. By replacing the Island Park bridges using rapid replacement technology, impacts on traffic are greatly reduced. A conventional approach would have required extensive lane closures over a period of at least two construction seasons. The savings realized by the rapid replacement approach, in the order of $2.4 Million, can be attributed mainly to the reduced traffic control requirements.

The design of the Island Park Bridges proved to be a challenging task, as it had to account for the bridges being moved by SPMTs along with the associated stresses and loadings. Other challenges associated with the design and rapid replacement included:

* The elimination of expansion joints through the use of semi-integral abutments.

* Several weekends of preparatory work involving lane closures on the Queensway, due to the excavation of the approach slab in order to cut the ballast wall.

* The top of the ballast wall had to be fastened to the bridge deck so that they could be lifted out and transported together.

* Base plates were installed on the existing bearing seats after the old bridges were moved out. It was a challenge to place the base plates at the correct elevation with shim plates.

* Temperature proved to be a time-prolonging factor. Due to the increasing temperature throughout the day, the hot asphalt cooled at a much slower rate then anticipated

Although the use of rapid replacement technology was very successful, designers learned a number of lessons on how to further improve and facilitate a rapid bridge replacement project. Some key lessons include:

* Allowing the Contractor to use 4 temporary platforms to facilitate removal of existing bridges

* Stressing the importance of the surveying requirements by the Contractor

* The use of adjustable bearing plates cannot be minimized

* Consider specifying temporary lateral restraint plate angles to further facilitate installation of structures

* Replacing longitudinal joint type from "Jeenie" to "Evacon T-300"

* Emphasizing closure times for ramps including limit of closure in modified SP 100F08 Not sure if the bolded means anything to the average reader

* Increased planning and coordination of local road closures by the City in which the construction is taking place

* Increased coordination and communication between MTO, the city, and the C.A.

Currently MTO is scheduling more rapid replacement projects. The Clyde Avenue structures are scheduled to be replaced in summer 2008 using the same rapid lift technology. Starting in 2010 the structures at Carling Avenue Eastbound, Kirkwood Avenue and Carling Avenue Westbound will be replaced using rapid technology.

Vehicle Certification in Australia

Before a road vehicle can be registered for the first time in Australia it must meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (the Act), which applies to new and used imported vehicles and locally manufactured vehicles. The Act requires vehicles to meet the national standards covering safety and emission requirements known as the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). When a new vehicle has been certified as meeting the ADRs it can be fitted with a compliance plate. The fitment of a compliance plate is mandatory under the Act, and it indicates to the registering authority that the vehicle meets all the required ADRs.

The process of obtaining approval to fit a compliance plate is called vehicle certification. The certification process in Australia is administered by Vehicle Safety Standards (VSS) in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Use of vehicles, roadworthiness of vehicles in service, and approval of modifications to vehicles in service, are administered by the various State and Territory registering authorities.

The Australian vehicle certification system for new vehicles is a type approval system. This means that a vehicle representing the design of that make-model (the "type" of vehicle) is tested to demonstrate compliance with the safety and emissions standard. If the vehicle tested complies then all others of the same design (ie the same "type") will also comply.

VSS do not test vehicles for certification purposes. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the ADRs. The Australian certification process allows the vehicle manufacturer ("the licensee") to conduct the tests required by the various ADRs. The manufacturer can conduct those tests wherever is convenient to the manufacturer providing, of course, that the tests are conducted properly. In order to demonstrate compliance with all the applicable ADRs several test vehicles are usually required, especially for passenger cars and light commercials.

Having conducted all the appropriate tests, the manufacturer must then submit an application for approval to fit compliance plates to the particular make/model of vehicle that has been tested. In order to demonstrate that the testing has been done correctly and that the vehicle passed, the manufacturer is required to submit to VSS , a summary of the evidence of compliance to the applicable ADRs.

For some vehicle categories a sample of each of the model variants must also be made available for inspection. This inspection also satisfies the registration inspection requirements of the States and Territory registration authorities and is called Single Uniform Type Inspection or SUTI).

When VSS are satisfied that the vehicle complies, the Administrator of Vehicle Standards issues a document known as a Compliance Plate Approval. This is the authority to allow the manufacturer to fit compliance plates to vehicles of the specified make/model.

The information provided by a manufacturer is subject to checking using quality assurance audits of the manufacturing facilities and inspections of the test facilities. Together these ensure that the vehicles (or parts of vehicles) tested were constructed to the production design, that the tests were carried out correctly, that the tests showed that the vehicle (or parts) passed the tests, and that all the vehicles being produced are to the same design. Thus, if the design is known to comply, and all of the production is to the design, then all the vehicles produced also comply.

Manufacturers who supply limited numbers of vehicles may be able to use the Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles, which caters for manufacturers who supply less than 25 or 100 vehicles per year depending on the category. Vehicles imported into Australia by individuals, or for racing etc may be able to use the Imported Vehicles scheme.

Individually constructed vehicles are not required to be certified however, they must meet the requirements of the State and Territory registering authorities. The Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme applies to used imported vehicles.

Movable Soccer Goal Safety

This handbook presents guidelines for the installation, use and storage of full-size or nearly full-size movable soccer goals. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) believes these guidelines can help prevent deaths and serious injuries resulting from soccer goal tipover. Publication of the handbook is intended to promote greater safety awareness among those who purchase, install, use, and maintain movable soccer goals.

These guidelines are intended for use by parks and recreation personnel, school officials, sports equipment purchasers, parents, coaches, and any other members of the general public concerned with soccer goal safety.

These guidelines are intended to address the risk of movable soccer goal tipover. They are not a CPSC standard, nor are they mandatory requirements. Therefore, the Commission does not endorse them as the sole method to minimize injuries associated with soccer goals.

Driving Skills Tests

In Michigan, driving skills test services are provided through a statewide network of approved public and private organizations that employ examiners authorized by the Department to conduct driving skills tests.

Third party testing organizations provide Michigan residents with test sites throughout the state. Most organizations offer expanded testing hours, including weekends.

Third Party Testing Section - Contact Information
Michigan Department of State
Driver Programs Division
Third Party Testing Section
430 W. Allegan Street, 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (517) 241 - 6850
Fax: (517) 373 - 0964
E-Mail: ThirdPartyTesting@Michigan.gov

Booster seats

Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing more than 18 kg but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.

Booster seats raise a child up so that the adult seatbelt works more effectively. A lap and shoulder belt combination must be used for both the high-back and low-back booster seat. If your vehicle only has lap belts in the rear seat, contact your local dealer regarding retrofitting it with a shoulder belt. Never use a lap belt alone with a booster seat designed to be used with a lap-shoulder combination belt. Your child's head must be supported by the top of the booster or vehicle seat. The shoulder strap must lie across your child's shoulder and the middle of their chest (not the neck or face) and the lap belt must cross low over the hips (not the stomach/abdomen). Never use seatbelt adjusters.

A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:

* The child turns eight years old;

* The child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs); or,

* The child is 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.

Using tether straps with forward-facing car seats

The tether strap for a forward-facing child car safety seat must be used. The tether strap is located on the rear of the child car safety seat and has a hook. The hook is designed to attach the strap to the tether anchorage on the vehicle as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Ensure the tether is only secured to the designated anchorage point(s) in the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.

Youth

Photo of older child Seatbelts are designed for adults and older, larger children. Once your child can sit all the way against the vehicle seat back with legs bent comfortably over the edge of the seat, and with the shoulder belt flat across the shoulder and chest, he or she is ready to move from the booster seat to the vehicle seatbelt.

Make sure the shoulder strap lies across the child's shoulder and the middle of the chest (not the neck or face), and the lap belt crosses over the hips (not the stomach).

Children under 13 years of age are safest in the back seat. Never put two children in the same seatbelt or place the shoulder strap behind the child's back.

Remember, one person, one belt. There must be a seatbelt for each person in the vehicle.

Use a seatbelt for every trip and teach your child to wear a seatbelt by always wearing one yourself!

Tips for Driving Through Construction Zones

OBEY ALL SIGNS

• Signs contain important information that warns motorists or provides them with essential information about the work ahead, traffic conditions, road/ramp closures and detours.

CONCENTRATE

• Pay attention at all times. Don't be distracted by the radio or cell phones; don't eat or drink while driving.
• Watch for workers, new signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, or uneven pavement.

SLOW DOWN

• Drive at the posted reduced speed limit.
• Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Don't tailgate - sudden stops are common in construction zones.

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

Automated manual transmissions combine the best features of manual and automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions are lighter than conventional automatic transmissions and suffer fewer energy losses. However, most drivers prefer the convenience of an automatic.AMT operates similarly to a manual transmission except that it does not require clutch actuation or shifting by the driver. Automatic shifting is controlled electronically (shift-by-wire) and performed by a hydraulic system or electric motor. In addition, technologies can be employed to make the shifting process smoother than conventional manual transmissions.

NHTSA Publishes list of October recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in October and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.

The list identifies the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem.

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 70 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed.

NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.

Consumers can get up-to-the-minute information on safety recall campaigns, or information on the recall history of a particular make and model of car, truck, motorcycle or child safety seat, by calling the agency's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (800) 424-9393, or (202) 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

Air Travel Consumer Report for 2001

The Air Travel Consumer Report is a monthly product of the Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings. The report is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by the airlines. This page links to reports from 2001.

The report is divided into four sections. These sections deal with flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales and consumer complaints. Each section of the report is preceded by a brief explanation of how to read and understand the information provided.

The report is usually issued during the first week of each month. The data on flight delays, mishandled baggage, and consumer complaints are two months behind the issue date of the report, e.g. the report issued in early May has data from the month of March. Oversales are reported quarterly rather than monthly, and oversales figures may be slightly older than the other data in certain months. The report, which contains tables of information, is best printed in "landscape" orientation.

CARS

CARS serves as a data collection system for road and traffic situations allowing for the manual entry and automated assembly of National ITS Standards compliant data that incorporates information on:

• accidents, incidents, obstruction hazard or other problems that may adversely affect safe and efficient travel
• current and planned road construction activities, lane closure or road closures
• current and expected weather situations, either observed or externally forecast
• National Weather Service watches and warnings
• congestion, delay, or other significant consequences of the above events

The Alaska CARS is mainly rural based, with major arterials in the Anchorage area. Congestion and traffic flow is not a current feature to the system, but has the potential as Anchorage interest grows. In addition to the list above, Alaska CARS includes ferry tracking information available on 511.Alaska.gov . The next phase is to offer real time ferry arrival/departure information in 2005.

CARS obtains information by manual input from distributed terminals located at authorized information sources via internet/intranet. The public domain CARS software supports standards-compliant data exchange with other states, counties, metropolitan/city areas, and with private sector entities involved in traffic information and road reporting. CARS can also support data exchange with road and weather condition prediction systems. The Alaska CARS ingests road weather data from the Road Weather Information System (RWIS).

Transportation

Transport on roads can be roughly grouped into two categories: transportation of goods and transportation of people. In many countries licensing requirements and safety regulations ensure a separation of the two industries.

The nature of road transportation of goods depends, apart from the degree of development of the local infrastructure, on the distance the goods are transported by road, the weight and volume of the individual shipment and the type of goods transported. For short distances and light, small shipments a van or pickup truck may be used. For large shipments even if less than a full truckload a truck is more appropriate. In some countries cargo is transported by road in horse drawn carriages, donkey carts or other non-motorized mode. Delivery services are sometimes considered a separate category from cargo transport. In many places fast food is transported on roads by various types of vehicles. For inner city delivery of small packages and documents bike couriers are quite common.