Welcome to the FastLane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation

As April arrives, so does National Safe Digging Month; please call 811 before you dig

In 2010, there were 53 accidents involving excavation damage to pipelines in the United States.  Those accidents led to five deaths and considerable damage.

Unsafe digging is a leading cause of pipeline damage.  That’s why the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is reminding Americans that April is National Safe Digging Month.

And, whether you're a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, one of the most important ways to make sure you're digging safely is to call 811...before you dig.

When you dial 811, the nationwide hotline number, utility crews can let you know where pipelines and utilities run in your vicinity.  It’s free, and knowing where those lines are protects everyone nearby.

“Failure to call before digging can result in property damage, tragic accidents and even fatalities," said PHSMA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman.   "While these types of incidents have decreased over the last ten years, in one out of every three, the people digging had not called 811 first.”

100 Open Skies partners mean more competitive pricing, more convenient service

Americans live in a global community.  Our transportation system--our roadways and railways; our flight paths and shipping lanes--these avenues keep economic growth and human progress moving forward. 

Through the more than 100 Open Skies partnerships we've negotiated, the United States is working hard to make our avenues to the world as efficient as possible.  That means more connections between the U.S. and partner countries, which means more convenient service and more competitive pricing. 

And that benefits travelers, shippers, airlines, and economies.

I was proud to join Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday at a celebration of our Open Skies initiative, commemorating a milestone of Open Skies agreements negotiated with over 100 partners during the past 20 years.

President Obama, DOT on pathway to better energy future

Today, President Obama released his plan for America’s energy security, and DOT has a huge role to play.

The transportation sector accounts for two-thirds of the United States’ oil use and contributes one-third of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.  After housing, transportation is the second biggest monthly expense for most American families.

As the President said, “In an economy that relies so heavily on oil, rising prices at the pump affect everybody.”

We have the opportunity, and the obligation, to take action.  We can change both the types and the amounts of energy that our transportation systems use while also creating good, high-paying jobs and easing everyone’s burden at the pump.

Enforcement actions, new initiatives to make commercial bus travel even safer

Every year, motorcoaches safely carry 750 million passengers around the country. But recent tragic crashes in New York, New Jersey and Arizona are a sober reminder that we can and we must do better.

Today, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is partnering with state law enforcement in 13 states to conduct surprise bus safety inspections.  These strike forces at popular tourist destinations and ports of entry are part of FMCSA's year-round, nationwide enforcement activities to strengthen commercial bus and driver safety. 

In 2009 alone, our bus safety agency and its law enforcement partners inspected more than 130,000 commercial buses. As a result, FMCSA placed 4.3 percent of bus drivers and 7.6 percent of buses out-of-service for everything from vehicle safety problems to hours-of-service violations.

FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro at commercial bus inspection strike force last August

Today, we're pleased to announce that we are adding FMCSA's safety arsenal with a final rule on Commercial Driver’s License testing and Commercial Learner’s Permit standards. This will revise testing standards to ensure uniformity across state licensing agencies and reduce the likelihood of licensing and testing fraud.  The final rule will also require individuals to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit prior to obtaining a CDL.

By this fall, FMCSA will issue a final rule requiring new, mandatory training standards for entry level commercial bus drivers.  Under this new rule, drivers seeking a motorcoach license must complete 80 hours of training, with at least 32 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

While these rules represent a big step forward, they are further actions in a long line of initatives DOT has taken to protect motorcoach passengers.

Maricopa County planners improve transportation options for Phoenix, AZ, residents

With gas prices pinching all of us, it's good to know that some communities are taking bold steps to give their residents options for getting out of their cars and into public transportation.

That's exactly what's happening in the greater Phoenix region as Valley Metro continues to extend its wildly popular light rail network and increase bus and parking access to light rail service.

Today it can cost upwards of $50 to fill up your tank, so we need more and better transit options to help us save money for life’s priorities instead of putting it into the gas tank.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff rides light rail with US Representative Ed Pastor of Arizona's 4th District

During his visit to Maricopa County yesterday, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff rode light rail to Tempe and Mesa with Congressman Ed Pastor and met with Mayors Phil Gordon of Phoenix, Hugh Hallman of Tempe, and Scott Smith of Mesa. 

He also saw first-hand how planned transit projects throughout the Phoenix area will improve connections between the region's roadways, the Central Mesa Light Rail corridor, and the major activity centers of downtown Phoenix, downtown Tempe, Arizona State University, and Sky Harbor International Airport.

These are the places area residents, business travelers, and tourists need to go, and the region's transit planners are working hard to get them there safely.  For example, during events at the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix, event tickets also serve as transit passes--when you buy your ticket, you've already bought your ride.

Lifesavers Conference provides road safety leadership, acknowledges safety champions

While the professionals at the Department of Transportation work hard every day to improve the safety of America's transportation systems, we don't do it alone.  Countless other organizations across the country are working toward the same goal--keeping you and your loved ones safe on our roads, rails, and runways.

This week in Phoenix a terrific group of safety advocates is gathered for the annual Lifesavers Conference, "the premier national highway safety meeting in the United States dedicated to reducing the tragic toll of deaths and injuries on our nation's roadways."

Participants in Lifesavers 2011, who are already leading safety professionals, will learn even more about a wide range of safety topics, from child passenger safety and occupant protection to roadway and vehicle safety and technology.

I'm proud that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been a key supporter of Lifesavers.  And yesterday NHTSA Administrator David Strickland was on hand to present awards to 15 people and two organizations for their outstanding achievement in promoting highway safety across America.

As Administrator Strickland said, "Our award winners exemplify the highest standards of achievement in the field of traffic safety.  We are seeing major progress in a whole range of safety areas thanks to the professionalism, dedication and energy of our award winners and thousands like them in communities all across the country."

Countdown to DesertXpress begins

States and regions across the country are working tirelessly to realize President Obama's vision for American high-speed rail.  And on Friday, I had the pleasure of joining Nevada Senator Harry Reid to announce that construction on the DesertXpress corridor between Las Vegas and Southern California will soon get underway.

The DesertXpress project cleared a major hurdle last Friday when the Federal Railroad Administration released its final environmental impact statement.

DesertXpress promises travel times of 85 minutes between Victorville, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.  This cuts the existing drive--three hours under the best conditions and nearly twice as long in traffic--in half.  Sitting in congestion for four, five and even six hours along I-15 is especially brutal for travelers paying sky high gas prices.

But high-speed rail means much more than a shorter trip from California to Las Vegas.  It means jobs, and it means reinvigorated American manufacturing.

Faces of Distracted Driving: Eric Okerblom, 19 "Our son is gone, but we will be his voice"

Bob Okerblom was never a cyclist. And he certainly never imagined that he'd one day bike from coast to coast. But that is just what he's doing today--a tribute to the son he lost much too soon.

It was a clear summer day less than two years ago when 19-year-old Eric Okerblom set out on his own bike ride. A natural athlete who completed his first marathon at the age of 16, he had plans to join the cycling team when he returned to the University of California at Berkeley for his sophomore year.

And on a road not far from his home near Santa Maria, California, Eric was killed when a teen driver traveling at 60 miles per hour struck his bike with her truck. 

The driver's cell phone records indicated that she was texting just prior to the crash.

The sudden loss of their son was unimaginable to Bob and Eilene Okerblom. And they share their story in the latest installment of our "Faces of Distracted Driving" series.

Building big goes hand-in-hand with building safely

At DOT, we’re all about building big--while building safely.  And today, I met with representatives from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) in Las Vegas to discuss how to make America’s transportation projects safer before even breaking ground.

Damage to natural gas pipelines from digging has caused 19 fatalities in the past 5 years. That’s why I remain so concerned about the dangers of damage while digging, which causes one out of every five serious pipeline accidents. Even our nation’s contractors and excavators don’t always know exactly where our pipelines are located.

It’s easy to understand why. America’s energy transportation network is enormous. There are more than 2.5 million miles of pipe--enough to circle the earth 100 times--and much of it was installed at least 50 years ago.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with CGA to spread the word for National Safe Digging Month in April. As we say, you’ve got to “know what’s below” and call 811 before you dig. The number is universal and works across the country. It’s a good idea in both construction and for private homeowners. Some of these gas service lines are installed just 12 inches below the surface.

While I was in Las Vegas, I also took our safety message to the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America Annual Convention and CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show. 

I reminded them to always put safety first on the job site--especially since these contractors are working on many of the most critical road and bridge projects around the country.

Students at AEM Construction Challenge dream big, build big

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of addressing the extraordinary group of young people gathered at the AEM Construction Challenge Championship in Las Vegas.  The Construction Challenge is a hands-on competition where teams of high school students work together to solve infrastructure problems with construction solutions. 

This year’s championship consisted of two challenges.  The first, Road Rumble, required each team to build a headquarters using construction materials obtained by a radio-controlled piece of transportation equipment they designed.  The second, H2 Oh Yeah!, challenged the teams to research water policy and infrastructure issues and compete against each other in a quiz show.

Teams compete in the Road Rumble challenge.

The contests required each student to use their logical and technical skills to advance.  And while it was a closely fought battle the entire day, team OH13OH from the Miami Valley Career Technology Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, ultimately took home the overall 2011 Construction Challenge prize.

But win or lose, each student who made it to Las Vegas already accomplished a great deal in my book.  Over 1,000 teens competed in regional qualifying rounds in January for a chance to advance to the national championship.  The 144 students from 24 high schools who competed this week represented the very best and brightest.

Students get hands-on at the H2 Oh Yeah! challenge.

And I delivered a message to them straight from President Obama: Even though the competition may be over, we’re counting on you to keep up your studies in science, technology, engineering, and math.

These teens, and so many like them across the country, are the next generation of leaders we’re going to be looking toward as we build the 21st century transportation systems we all need and deserve. 

Law enforcement officers: Critical partners in traffic safety

Keeping America’s roadways safe is a big job--and DOT can’t do it alone.  Law enforcement officers across the country, our partners in the pursuit of safety, play a critical role in implementing highway safety programs, raising awareness, and applying laws. 

This afternoon, FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, and FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro had the opportunity to thank these dedicated safety partners at a mid-year meeting of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

 
They each spoke about DOT’s efforts to keep our roadways safe--and the many ways in which law enforcement officials help achieve that goal.

For one example, DOT’s “Click It or Ticket” program is the most successful seatbelt enforcement campaign ever, with 85% of all Americans now buckling up each time they get into a vehicle.  NHTSA estimates that seatbelt use saved more than 72,000 lives between 2005 and 2009 alone. 

For another, our “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign has helped save lives and get drunk drivers off the street.  From 2008 to 2009, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities declined by 7.4 percent.

These successes wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless enforcement efforts of police officers around the country--nor would our continuing progress in removing unsafe commercial truck and bus drivers from our highways.

NHTSA invites public feedback on landmark proposed rear-view visibility rule

Abigail Dahlen, of Birmingham, Alabama, was just 2 years old when she went to retrieve a tennis ball in her neighbor's driveway.  At the same moment, her neighbor was backing up in his SUV, headed out to pick up a pizza.  Unable to spot the small child in his vehicle's path, the driver struck and killed Abigail. 

Patrick Ivison, of San Diego, California, was just 14-months old when he and his mother were walking behind a car. The driver put his car in reverse, backed over Patrick, and trapped him underneath. Now 16 years old, he’s still paralyzed from the chest down.

Patrick, Abigail's mother Brandy, and several other families affected by these tragic back-over accidents spoke at a hearing yesterday about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed new rear-view visibility rule where we asked the public to tell us what they think.

“I’m not here today to complain about my life. I survived an accident that many others didn't.  I am here to honor those children that didn't survive. I want to speak on their behalf so that the world understands that it's impossible to avoid hitting something you cannot see," said Patrick, who is an active athlete, participating in hand-cycling and even surfing.

The proposed rear-view visibility rule would eliminate blind zones as part of a landmark effort to prevent cars from backing over pedestrians. On average, there are nearly 300 fatalities and 18,000 injuries a year. A disproportionate number are toddlers and the elderly. We believe this rule can help save lives and prevent thousands of injuries every year.

The proposed rule follows the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007, which directed NHTSA to amend rear-view visibility standards.  One of the worst things about these back-over accidents is that it often involves parents backing up over their own children in the family driveway.

Ordinary Americans perform extraordinary acts in fight to end distracted driving

Recently, I've been pleased to note a promising trend in the fight to end distracted driving. 

We're now seeing more and more stories featuring everyday Americans reaching out to their peers and communities to help raise awareness about the dangers of texting or using a cell phone while driving. 

Zits, by Jerry Brown and Jim Borgman, courtesy, zitscomics.com

This week, for example, the comic strip "Zits," which runs in more than 1,600 newspapers, features a texting-and-driving storyline produced in partnership with AAA.  When the strip's 16-year-old Jeremy Duncan is involved in a texting-related crash, creators Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman hope it will remind the strip's readers--largely teens and parents--about the dangers of this deadly epidemic.  I hope it will, too.

After busy maintenance period, St. Lawrence Seaway opens for 2011 navigation season

I am happy to announce that yesterday marked the official opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway’s 2011 navigation season.  Here at the Department of Transportation, that's an exciting sign that spring has truly arrived.

The start of the 53^rd Navigation Season follows a very productive winter maintenance period, during which Seaway crews worked on a number of important asset renewal projects, including dewatering and covering locks. 

1st vessel through: the Avonborg carries wind turbine components bound for Indiana through the St. Lambert lock

Our St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC)’s 10-year Asset Renewal Program represents the first comprehensive effort to repair and modernize the U.S. Seaway infrastructure.  Without such significant reinvestment in the Seaway, it would become increasingly difficult to keep our bi-national waterway open for business.

Maintenance and asset renewal is especially important since Seaway traffic is predicted to grow for a second straight year in 2011, a great sign for our economy. 

The Great Lakes-Seaway shipping system supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.  As Stephen Wilkes of Tata Steel said at yesterday's opening, "Marine transportation plays a key role for the steel industry and its customers, enabling the efficient movement of raw materials, semi-finished, and finished products which directly contribute to the Canadian and U.S. manufacturing base."

Portland TIGER project promises "an oasis of employment and innovation"

The Department of Transportation's TIGER awards have been a huge success.  And today I helped break ground on a project in Portland's South Waterfront district that is a perfect example of a community solving problems through innovative transportation ideas.

The $66.5 million SW Moody Avenue project received $23 million in TIGER funds and will help generate economic activity by reconstructing a critical corridor.  Elevating the roadway will allow the city to cap adjacent brownfields, open up large parcels of land for development--including a hospital--and transform this district, as Portland Mayor Sam Adams said, into one of the city's greenest areas.

And the elevated Moody Avenue will offer a host of new transportation options:

• Traffic lanes that will increase capacity and reduce congestion so drivers can spend less time on the road stuck in traffic and more time with their families;
• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities that will give people cleaner, greener transportation options for getting around the city; and
• Streetcar service that will help create new economic opportunities and connect residents with Portland’s central business district.  And we know those streetcars will pack twice the economic punch, too, because they’ll be built right in Portland, by Americans for Americans.

Portland, Oregon, and United Streetcar: Americans innovating, building for Americans

I’ve mentioned before in this blog how important President Obama’s bold vision for the future of American transportation system is.  Out-innovating and out-building the rest of the world provides a clear path toward winning the future.  And it's exciting for me to see that vision already coming to life in Portland, Oregon.

By adding innovative transit opportunities, Portland has become a model livable community, a city where public transportation brings housing closer to jobs, schools, and essential services.  And perhaps nothing symbolizes Portland's livability better than the modern streetcars operating on its streets and the streetcars being built right in Portland at United Streetcar.

 

United Streetcar is the only manufacturer of modern streetcars in America. They built the first modern Buy America compliant streetcar for use in Portland, and they are currently building additional streetcars for Portland’s East Side Loop Extension and for Tucson, Arizona’s new streetcar system.

And, let me tell you, the Americans who are manufacturing those streetcars could not be more humble about the incredible work they're doing.  I saw this firsthand yesterday when I toured United Streetcar and met the workers crafting these modern cars. 

General Aviation industry makes Wichita "air capital of the world"

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that America needs to out-build and out-innovate the rest of the world, he must have had in mind the example of our extraordinary general aviation industry.

And today I had the great pleasure of meeting with several thousand general aviation workers in Wichita, Kansas, including folks from Learjet, Beechcraft, Bombardier, and Cessna.

I've traveled all across the U.S., and I have rarely been so warmly welcomed.  These are proud American workers, and they have good reason to be proud.  General aviation is a big driver of economic opportunity and innovation, supporting 1.2 million jobs across the country and contributing more than $150 billion to our nation’s economy.

And nowhere is that more evident than in Wichita, "air capital of the world."  General aviation has put Wichita--and Kansas--back on track for economic recovery.  According to Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer and General Aviation Manufacturers Association president Jack Pelton, that has something to do with Wichita having, "the best workforce in the world."

Bridge safety program, strong and getting stronger

From roads to rails to runways, the Department of Transportation is laser-focused on one priority: safety. And that focus is paying dividends.  One area where we're pleased to report progress is the safety of America's bridges. 

For 30 years, Federal Highway Administration oversight of the Highway Bridge Program and the National Bridge Inspection Program has ensured that safety comes first.  And today we are launching a new bridge safety initiative to make that oversight even stronger.

"Snooper" bridge inspection truck, photo courtesy Mo DOT

The new approach allows FHWA to more clearly and easily identify bridge issues in each state.  Previously, FHWA prepared a written assessment of a particular state’s bridge inspections based on the general review of key inspection areas.

Our new initiative replaces this narrative with a grid displaying the inspection data for 23 specific key areas. These areas include elements like bridge load limits, degree of foundation scouring, and state inspection frequency.  This approach allows greater consistency in FHWA state assessments, making it easier to identify potential safety challenges and evaluate state bridge safety compliance.

Drowsy driving a risk to everyone on the road

Does this sound familiar?  You're driving on a quiet stretch of highway.  Your eyelids start drooping.  You blink hard to keep your eyes focused.  Your head begins to nod, and you snap it up into position.  Yet you continue driving, thinking you can manage your obvious fatigue.

This is drowsy driving, and it is a danger to everyone on the road.

According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, drowsy driving crashes injured more than 30,000 people.  And, because police can't always determine with certainty when driver fatigue causes a crash, the actual number may be higher.

At the Department of Transportation, safety is our number one priority.  We have worked hard to reduce the risks of fatigue among airline pilots, commercial drivers, and rail and transit operators.  But we also recognize that drowsy driving is a problem for the rest of us on America's roads.

And we are working hard to make our roads safer.

Guest blogger FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro: Adding women can strengthen the trucking industry

Throughout her career, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro has encouraged women to join the motor carrier industry.  This week she took her message to the 2011 Truckload Carriers Association national convention.
                                                                                                                                                      

Women are thriving in every sector of our society.  We are leading businesses and serving at the highest levels of government.  We are succeeding in careers that our mothers and grandmothers never could have imagined.  And that includes not only driving big rigs, but managing their safe operations.

This month the Council on Women and Girls released a new report on Women in America that shows few women are working in the construction, production or transportation sectors.

Panel discussion on Women in Trucking  includes (l-r) Tom O'Brien, TA/Petro Stopping Centers, Val Liese,
Jack Jones Trucking, Phyllis Cochran, Navistar, and Administrator Ferro

But I know there is an untapped pool of talented women drivers and women who would be well suited as safety managers. We know, too, that the current gender imbalance for drivers deprives trucking of a vital source of talent.

Trucking is a strong industry.  It’s a leading indicator of our nation’s economic health, hauling 70 percent of the tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation.  And women in trucking have contributed to that strength.  But we can do a lot better.

DOT, American Public Transportation Association partners for safety, service, reliability

Earlier this week, I had the honor of addressing the American Public Transportation Association’s legislative conference.  Deputy Secretary John Porcari and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff also spoke to APTA members. 

Why all three of us?  Because APTA's mission, "To strengthen and improve public transportation," is a goal this Department deeply believes in.  This Administration has made transportation a priority--and affirmed that commitment, not just with words, but also with actions.  President Obama’s 2012 budget proposal invests $129 billion in transportation.  We’re talking about a 127% increase in support aimed at improving safety, service, and reliability.

Photo courtesy Steve Barrett

Over the next six years, the President proposes $119 billion to keep the nation's transit systems in a state of good repair.  And because we know Americans want more options for getting around, this money will also allow us to help expand transit services and make communities more livable.

In these tough economic times, some cities don't have the resources to cover their transit operating costs.  But too many Americans depend on transit service to get where they need to go, so we can't let temporary shortfalls lead to cuts in service.  The Administration's proposal allows communities with significant unemployment to use federal transit grants temporarily to help with operating costs--up to 25 percent in the first year, 15 percent in the second year, and 10 percent in the third year.

Flickr sets offer colorful reminder of DOT activities

Yesterday, I blogged about the new "On the Go" YouTube video where I answer questions submitted on Facebook, Twitter, and here on the Fast Lane. 

Today, I’d like to remind you about another great social media tool that DOT is using – Flickr.

In the last two years the Department of Transportation has been busy.  My Flickr page provides a photographic record of some of our activites.  So far, we've got 67 sets.  Some of them have only a few photos, and some of them have more than a dozen. 

But, from the Hoover Dam Bridge dedication to the National Truck Driving Championships, each set provides a glimpse into what was going on that day at DOT.

If you haven't seen the Flickr site, please give it a visit soon.  And, to help you catch up on what you might have missed, here's a brief slideshow of some photos I particularly like.  I hope you'll enjoy them, too.

 

Jobs today, economic competitiveness tomorrow--now is the time to build high-speed rail

My phone hasn't stopped ringing with calls from governors, legislators, and other leaders seeking a share of the $2.4 billion we made available to the states for high-speed rail last week.  And the citizens of those states are also clamoring for rail on Facebook and Twitter and in comments on this blog.

They know what so many Americans know: High-speed rail will create jobs now and lay the foundation for economic development tomorrow.  And if you need convincing about the benefits of an American high-speed rail network--jobs, economic development, and competitiveness--I urge you to read my op-ed today in today's special issue of The Hill.

This country has state-of-the-art highways that move people and products from one place to another.  We have a safe and strong aviation sector that carries us on short hops and long hauls.   We're rightly proud of the bridges and tunnels we have engineered to cross through mountains and over rivers once considered impassable. 

But our roadways and airports are already crowded, near or at capacity every day.

If we refuse to plan ahead, we’re staring at a future where we choke our own economy, where companies can't move goods or people from place to place, where we can't compete with other nations.

And building an American high-speed rail network isn't just about a vision for tomorrow.  In the short-term, building this network will create manufacturing and construction jobs at a time when they are sorely needed. A report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, projected that high-speed rail would create tens of thousands of jobs in cities and along rail corridors across the United States.

National Organizations for Youth Safety ask "Are you ready to make some NOYS?"

One of our strongest partners in the campaign for driving safety has been the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS).  And, with National Youth Traffic Safety Month approaching in May, NOYS is asking America's high schools, "Are you ready to make some NOYS?"

Here at the Department of Transportation, we hope schools across the nation answer "YES!" by participating in the NOYS Act Out Loud contest.

Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for teens in America.  And, with proms, graduations, and the arrival of summer, May marks the beginning of a busy driving season for America’s teens.  In fact, eight of the ten deadliest days for young people on our nation's highways annually fall between May and August.

That's why the NOYS Act Out Loud contest wants to make sure America's young safety activists are ready in time to hit the ground running with peer education programs. Act Out Loud asks teens to create projects that raise awareness in their communities of the dangers of distracted driving.

Meeting with young safety advocates from NOYS in January

"On the Go with Ray LaHood"

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote here that I'd be taking your questions through Facebook, Twitter, and comments on this blog.  Today, I'm happy to present the video that resulted from your questions.

First, I want to say that I appreciate the fact that so many of you took the time to post your questions.  Reading them shows me what you care about in terms of transportation.  So, thank you for contributing to this useful exchange.

I also have to say that I enjoyed answering your questions.  Being able to communicate directly to you is an important opportunity, important enough that I want to continue taking your questions--and answering them.

 

So, we'll keep the lines open, you keep those questions coming, and I'll have another installment of "On The Go" in a few weeks.  Remember you can post your questions on the "Discussions" tab on my Facebook page, using the #q4ray hashtag on Twitter, or through the "Comments" feature on this blog.

Finally, to @lexalexander on Twitter, who asked, "Where are the jet packs; they said there'd be jet packs?" I can only say that I share your disappointment that the 21st century so far lacks a decent jet pack.  But it may be of some consolation that, at last year's Oshkosh AirVenture, I did see a flying car.

And if jet packs aren't just around the corner, there are plenty of innovations on their way to help get people and goods where they need to go.

Thanks for tuning in.

O'Hare agreement clears the path for building big

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama reminded us that for America to compete and prosper in the 21st century, we need to build the fastest, safest, and most reliable ways to move people and products.  Well, today, the Department of Transportation is taking another significant step toward that objective at one of America’s most important transportation hubs, O'Hare International Airport.

I'm pleased to announce that we've achieved a major breakthrough in our efforts to push forward the O'Hare Modernization Program, add runway capacity, and reduce flight delays throughout our nation's aviation system. Specifically, we have an agreement in place that allows work to begin on a new south runway and other taxiway and airfield improvements needed to deal with increasing traffic at the airport.

Adding capacity to America's second busiest airport will improve service for air travelers across the country.  Because 64 million passengers use O'Hare each year--connecting to 130 domestic airports--anything we can do to move airplanes in and out more safely and efficiently has national economic significance. 

The O’Hare Modernization Program is one of the largest construction projects in the country.  The first phase of the program alone includes two new runways, a runway extension, and a new air traffic control tower.  When the program is complete, O’Hare will have eight modern runways, reducing flight delays and improving efficiency for travelers throughout the country.

The nearly $1.2 billion the O'Hare Modernization Program injects will create jobs now and lay the foundation for future economic competitiveness.  This is what the President meant when he urged us to dream big and build big.  And DOT is helping get the job done.

DOT review of rules invites public participation

In January, President Obama issued an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to ensure that regulations protect our safety, health and environment while promoting economic growth.  He also ordered a review of exisiting rules to remove outdated or ineffective regulations that stifle job creation and make our economy less competitive.

It's a pleasure to work for a President who recognizes that these principles should not only guide the government’s approach to new regulation, but to existing ones as well.  And it's a pleasure to be able to say that the Department of Transportation has already launched its regulatory review. 

Today, the public is joining us here at DOT to give us the feedback we need.

But we've also created a website, http://dotregreview.ideascale.com, where you can submit comments to help guide our regulatory review.  It's open to everyone, and it's easy to use. So, if you know of a rule that is outdated, ineffective, or excessively burdensome, this is your chance to participate and point us in the right direction.

DOT leaders Anne Ferro and Therese McMillan honored; Thank you for representing DOT so capably

After a little more than two years as Transportation Secretary, I can confidently say that the best part has been working with the terrific and talented professionals of the Department of Transportation.  I am so proud of everything we have achieved through their efforts in the last two years. 

And last week, the achievements of two of DOT's finest, Anne Ferro, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator, and Therese McMillan, Federal Transit Deputy Administrator, were acknowledged with special awards.  Administrator Ferro was recognized by the Traffic Club of Baltimore as their Transportation Person of the Year.  And Deputy Administrator McMillan was selected for a Distinguished Alumni Award by the College of Environmental Design at the University of California, Berkeley.

Administrator Ferro accepting her award

In honoring Administrator Ferro, the Traffic Club of Baltimore said "Administrator Ferro is moving the Secretary of Transportation’s safety mission forward and raising the safety bar for the motor carrier industry." 

And it is certainly true that no one at DOT is working harder to raise the safety bar for motor carriers.  When the Traffic Club said that, "Administrator Ferro's vision is to eliminate severe crashes and fatalities involving large trucks and buses," they were 100 percent accurate.

Highways for LIFE grants put innovations to work on America's roadways

I’ve talked a lot about the need to rebuild some of America’s roads and bridges.

There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, but roadwork--however essential--can be very disruptive.  If we are going to out-innovate, as President Obama challenged us in his State of the Union address, we need to find ways to get our roads into better shape with as little inconvenience as possible to truckers, travelers and commuters.

That’s why I’m excited to announce 15 new grant awards in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Highways for LIFE program. These 15 projects in 13 states and Puerto Rico will receive $9.5 million to use innovative construction technologies that more quickly and efficiently improve safety, reduce congestion and create high-quality, long-lasting highways and bridges.

The Highways for LIFE program seeks to get states, engineers and contractors to adopt proven innovations and technologies. These innovations can lead to:

• Improved safety during and after construction,
• Reduced congestion caused by construction, and
• Better quality of the highway infrastructure.

AARP a great partner for safety, livability

As I’ve mentioned many times before in this blog, safety is DOT’s number one priority.  That’s why I was glad to be given the opportunity to speak to the AARP Driver Safety Program National Leadership Conference yesterday about ways that DOT and AARP can continue to work together to ensure that all Americans are safe and secure when using America’s roads, bridges, and public transportations systems.

AARP knows a thing or two about safety.  Its Driver Safety Program provides classroom and online courses to help seasoned drivers stay abreast with changes in vehicle technology, changes in road rules, and changes in driving conditions.  And, yes, the program does offer tips on how to adapt to the inevitable vison changes that go hand in hand with age.

 

AARP also offers “We Need to Talk,” an important resource to help families and caregivers fairly and sensitively discuss when it might be time to stop driving.

At DOT, we’re listening to organizations like AARP about how we can be most helpful in improving the transportation their members use every day.  For example, AARP is already working with us to develop a culture of personal responsibility among drivers.  DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working with AARP to make sure its members’ voices are heard on issues like driver licensing and law enforcement.  And the Federal Highway Administration is working with AARP on roadway design.

My message to the 2011 National Bike Summit: "We have work to do"

Last night, it was a great honor to keynote the opening dinner of the 2011 National Bike Summit.   I have to say it was a relief to be at a podium to address the group this year, because it meant I didn't have to climb on the furniture to make myself heard.

That's not to say I wasn't overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of cycling advocates from across the country.  The room was fully charged with the energy of 800 people who are ready to meet with their legislators and let them know that bicycling has an important role to play in America's transportation mix.

Photo courtesy Chris Eichler

Which is a good thing, because we have work to do. 

Not everyone knows about the enormous economic, health and environmental benefits of cycling and pedestrian investments. Fortunately, I know bike advocates can be very effective.  And they have done a great job reminding people about the many advantages to supporting  biking and walking opportunities, and converting legislators into cycling advocates themselves.

Road, bridge, and tunnel work needed to keep economy flowing

This afternoon, I spoke to the Legislative Conference of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA).  The IBTTA is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that support tolling. 

As I’ve mentioned before, the administration believes that to win the future and restore America’s economic competitiveness, we must out-build and out-innovate the rest of the world.  We must dream big, and build big.  And, as I shared with the members of IBTTA, attending to America's roads is an important part of our plan.

Repairing our existing roads, bridges, and tunnels and building new projects is essential to pushing the economy forward.  And, at a time when many Americans are looking for economic opportunities, these projects mean jobs--lots of jobs.  That's why the President has proposed a $50 billion “up front boost” that will jump-start job creation even as it helps lay the foundation for future competitiveness and prosperity.  

But building big requires money.  So does keeping these roads, bridges, and tunnels in safe operating condition.

States want to build big projects--but many states are simply too cash-strapped to attempt these projects.  The Department of Transportation wants to help them find ways to pay for the transportation solutions they need. 

Faces of Distracted Driving: Kelson Vaillancourt, 21 His sister, Miss South Dakota 2010, says, "Because someone made one stupid mistake, I am an only child"

Kelson Vaillancourt loved birds and plants and everything that was living or growing.

"My brother," says Loren Vaillancourt, "taught me that every living thing, no matter how small, is beautiful."

On May 20, 2009, Kelson had just finished his junior year in college and was on his way to count waterfowl as part of an internship for the Fish & Wildlife Service. He never made it to the site.  His co-worker was driving distracted and drove into oncoming traffic.  Their pickup was struck by a tractor-trailer.  The driver was killed instantly; Kelson died the next day.

Today, Loren, the reigning Miss South Dakota, tells Kelson's story in the latest video from our "Faces of Distracted Driving" series.

 

"For a long time," Loren says, "we couldn't laugh.  I couldn't even sleep in my own room because it was next to his and I couldn't stand the silence."

When you watch her tell her story, you can see that Kelson's loss continues to take its toll. 

Distracted Driving Shatters Lives: Watch a replay of our webcast and live-blog from the labs of Consumer Reports

Welcome to an archived version of our webcast from Consumer Reports, where we launched our safety partnership and hosted a panel discussion on the dangers of distracted driving.  You can also read a replay of the conversation that took place below.

 

Web event launches DOT-Consumer Reports partnership; new weapons added to fight against distracted driving

At the Department of Transportation, we have been working hard for nearly two years to end distracted driving.  Today, I'm excited to announce that we've joined forces with a new partner in this important campaign: Consumer Reports, one of America's most trusted consumer safety champions.

And our partnership is bursting out of the starting gate with several new weapons to curb this deadly epidemic.

I invite you to join us online later this morning (11:00 EST) for a live web event streaming from the headquarters of Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports.

We'll officially launch our new partnership and unveil our new tools. At noon, we'll host a panel discussion on distracted driving featuring safety experts representing schools, families,and law enforcement.

Young drivers are especially vulnerable to distracted driving because of their inexperience behind the wheel and their sensitivity to peer pressure.  By targeting drivers whose habits behind the wheel have not been ingrained through years of experience, we can instill safe practices.

So we've co-produced a new guide for parents and educators called "Distracted Driving Shatters Lives."  This brochure offers six simple steps to keep young drivers and their passengers safe.

For bicycle enthusiasts, next week's National Bike Summit looms large

Today is Friday, March 4, and for the nation's bicycling enthusiasts that means only one thing: 4 days until the 2011 National Bike Summit.  And to get the bike folks geared up for this year's gathering, on Tuesday I went on BicycleRadio.com's "Escape The Peloton" show.

As you can imagine, host Sean Mellor and I talked about a range of bicycling-related topics. From the thrill of watching my grandkids get their first bikes to the way distracted driving affects the bicycling community, we covered a lot of ground.

Click here to listen to my Bicycle Radio interview!
Click here for the whole program

But I think what listeners really wanted to hear us talk about is President Obama's budget request for 2012.

We are very fortunate that, in these hard economic times, the President knows the economic importance of investing in transportation. He has proposed a 127 percent increase to fix our roads and bridges, and to build big projects that will yield economic development and jobs, like high speed rail. And don’t forget our emphasis on livable communities, so that people will have more options for getting around.

President Obama's 2012 budget tackles real challenges with real solutions

Today I had the honor of speaking before the Senate Budget Committee about President Obama's 2012 budget request.

My message was simple: it’s essential to America's economy that we find a way to repair our national infrastructure where we must and build for the future where we can.

We all want a strong future for this country, our children and grandchildren.  We all want a transportation system that carries our goods and people as safely and efficiently as possible. 

And if we want to spur new business and produce new jobs, we must:

• Invest in our roadways, railways, and runways;
• Invest in 21st century transit like buses, streetcars, and light rail;
• Invest in NextGen for our skies and in sidewalks and bike paths that make our streets more livable.

And we’re working hard to make sure we get these things done in the most fiscally responsible way possible.  We’re dedicated to doing all of this without passing on another dime of debt to our children and grandchildren. For the first time, transportation spending will be subject to “paygo” provisions that ensure the dollars we give out do not exceed the dollars coming in.

Introducing RADM Philip H. Greene, USMS Superintendent, US Merchant Marine Academy

It is truly a privilege to introduce RADM Philip H. Greene, USMS, who was sworn in last September as the Superintendent of the US Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, NY.

Blog readers may recall that I have a bit of a soft spot for Kings Point. But I've never met anyone as devoted to the Academy as RADM Greene.  As a Superintendent who is also an alumnus (1978), he is fortunate to be able to champion the USMMA and its value to the nation while he works to make it the best American service academy it can be.

Congratulating RADM Greene with Maritime Administrator David Matsuda

The new Superintendent comes to us after a notable service career as a U.S. Naval Officer with a number of commands.  In his last assignment in the Navy, RADM Greene was responsible for advancing the Navy’s strategic role in global maritime security capacity building.  He says that position gave him the insight a Superintendent needs into the role of the Merchant Marine and the global transportation system in ensuring our economic and national security. 

And it showed him the critical role that USMMA graduates play as leaders in transportation.

State DOTs a crucial partner in winning America's transportation future

This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 2011 Washington Legislative Briefing with FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez and other DOT officials.

I was there today to talk about the Obama Administration’s vision for the future of transportation in America. As the president has said, we've got to out-build, out-innovate, and out-educate the rest of our global economic competitors if we want to win the future.

In order to do that, we must have a world-class transportation system.  We must repair our existing roads, bridges, and transit systems.  And we must build new projects--including high-speed intercity passenger rail lines--that will safely and efficiently move people and goods.

These are big goals.  And in order to accomplish them, we can't do it ourselves--we need our partners at the state level. 

"On the Go with Ray LaHood" promises your lively questions, my honest answers

Today, I want to express my appreciation for everyone who takes the time to read, comment, and share their experiences with me.  Whether it's on this blog or on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or even Flickr, your engagement inspires me.

That's why I'm excited to launch a project I'm calling "On the Go with Ray LaHood."  It's a chance for you to ask questions and for me to answer them.

Here's how it works.  First, between now and next Tuesday, March 8, you can pose your transportation questions to the "Ask your questions" forum I've created on my Facebook "Discussions" tab, or as a comment to this blog post, or on Twitter using our special #q4ray hashtag.  If you want to get creative, you could even pose your question by video and post a link to it on my Facebook discussions tab.

Then, next week, I'll select a handful of your questions, trying to cover a range of topics. Finally, I'll post a video of my responses on the YouTube USDOT channel.  For those of you who would rather listen to an audio podcast, we'll make that available, too.

ASPIRE leads the way to greener flights, cleaner skies

We’ve talked a lot about NextGen and better environmental benefits for air travel. Today, I'm happy to report major progress for both.

The Federal Aviation Administration has teamed up with its counterparts in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore as part of ASPIRE, the Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions.  Their mission? To reduce aviation’s impact on the environment. 

And now, after three years of demonstration flights, the first daily for-profit ASPIRE flight, an Air New Zealand run from Auckland to San Francisco, is up and running.  It uses many of the flight procedures the group identified to help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.  And, since these procedures often reduce flight times, passengers also benefit.

More daily ASPIRE routes are expected to come over the next four months, which means increased flight efficiency and decreased environmental impact.

“This is another significant step in our rollout of the Next Generation Air Transportation system,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.  “We’re beginning to bring the green benefits of NextGen to the airlines and passengers in the Pacific on a daily basis.”

A South Carolina plant shows how we can invest in tomorrow and create jobs today

Today, I want to share a terrific new video, called "Transporting America: Proterra," which tells the story of Proterra, Inc, an electric bus manufacturer in Greenville, South Carolina. Thanks to federal investment, this company has been able to develop incredible zero-emissions transit buses and add hundreds of new jobs in South Carolina.

Last month Deputy Secretary John Porcari penned a blog for us on "Good, Green Jobs."  He wrote that, "We know Americans can adopt environmentally friendly practices and create good jobs in the process." 

Nowhere is that demonstrated more clearly than in Greenville, South Carolina, where Proterra, Inc, has begun manufacturing electric transit buses. More important to the Greenville community is the fact that Proterra has hired more than 120 workers, with plans to reach up to 350 workers by the end of this year and more than 1,300 by 2015.

Although Federal Tranist Administration grants had helped the company develop its fuel-cell technology, Proterra did not make the leap from a research and development company into a full-fledged manufacturer until FTA grants made it possible for cash-strapped transit agencies across the country to order new buses.