Our network

Transportation

IDOT introduces 'Gear Up - Ride Smart' campaign

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Thursday, March 28th, 2013, 3:38pm
IDOT introduces 'Gear Up - Ride Smart' campaign

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

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

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

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

IDOT Announces 2013 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer
Tuesday, February 19th, 2013, 3:28pm
IDOT Announces 2013 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

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

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

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

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

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

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

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Saturday, February 2nd, 2013, 1:17pm
IDOT, law enforcement reminds drivers to be responsible on Super Bowl Sunday

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

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

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

SLIDESHOW: Snowy weather in the Heartland 1/15

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013, 3:15pm
SLIDESHOW: Snowy weather in the Heartland 1/15

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

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

Copyright KFVS 2013. All rights reserved.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

IDOT receives state's highest environmental award

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013, 1:31pm
IDOT receives state's highest environmental award

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

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

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

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

LSSI AmeriCorps volunteers to refurbish bicycles

Submitted by Steve Pobst on Tuesday, January 15th, 11:51 am
LSSI AmeriCorps volunteers to refurbish bicycles

HERRIN, IL (KFVS) - To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year, AmeriCorps members who serve with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois’s Prisoner and Family Ministry are partnering with Marion Federal Prison Work Camp to hold a bicycle gathering and rebuilding day on January 21 at Hurricane Baptist Church in Herrin, Ill.

According to the group, the goals are to collect used bicycles to refurbish for returning citizens and their children, and to refurbish at least eight bicycles that day.

Anyone who wishes to donate a bicycle can drop it off at the Hurricane Baptist Church in Herrin between 9 a.m. and noon on Jan. 21.  Hurricane Baptist Church is located at 406 South Division Street.

LSSI’s AmeriCorps members provide services to people who have been incarcerated at least one day in their life.

The services include Bicycles 2 Work, which is a program that helps returning citizens and their children by giving them bicycles.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

ISP to conduct Roadside Safety Check in December

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Monday, December 3rd, 2012, 6:54pm
ISP to conduct Roadside Safety Check in December

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Illinois State Police, District 13, will conduct a Roadside Safety Check in Williamson County in December.

ISP says they have a zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Therefore, officers working this detail will be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, transporting open alcoholic beverages or driving under the influence.

According to ISP, alcohol and drug impairment is a significant factor in over 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Safety checks are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road.

This Roadside Safety Check is funded through a grant from the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter