March 2017                       Issue 34
In This Issue
Innovation Station: 2017 Creative Solutions Award Program
Tips from Tony
New England APWA Chapter Spring Conference - Register Today!
Workers Safety: Fatigue - You're More Than Tired; You're Deadly
Tips from Tony - Answer
2017 Creative Solutions Award Program

The Connecticut Creative Solutions Award Program was developed by the Technology Transfer Center to recognize the initiative and innovative thinking of public agency transportation staff in the development of tools, equipment modifications, and processes that increase safety, reduce cost, improve efficiency, and improve the quality of transportation   
 
Each year our winners are added to our "Connecticut Creative Solutions" guide. We hope sharing these innovations will help you identify solutions to challenges you are facing in your agency.

Do you have a creative solution you would like to share?  Click here to  fill out the 2017 Creative Solutions Award Program application. Deadline for all submissions is August 1, 2017,
Tips from Tony 
      
     What is the Three Feet Passing Law in Connecticut?
Find the answer at the bottom of the newsletter.
 
If you have roadway safety questions please contact:
Anthony Lorenzetti, P.E. - Safety Circuit Rider
(860) 486-5847 or anthony.lorenzetti@uconn.edu
New England APWA Chapter Spring Conference - Register Today!

The upcoming NEAPWA Spring Conference agenda is now available and the public can now register online to attend this conference.
 
Some excellent educational sessions are planned and you will have the opportunity to visit exhibitors highlighting the latest in Public Works technologies and services
Here are some sessions that will be available for participants to attend:
  • Update on the EPA's MS4 Stormwater Permit
  • Hydroelectric Power
  • Conquering Catch Basin Cleaning, Phase II MS4 Permitting
  • Pavement Management
     
There is so much more, including a special keynote speaker invited to deliver the luncheon address.  
 
The event will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the Pratt & Whitney Field (Rentschler Field) in East Hartford, CT.
 
Click here for the full agenda and registration information.
Workers Safety: Fatigue - You're More Than Tired; You're Deadly

People often make light of how little sleep they get; an over-worked, over-tired condition has become the norm for many. But a good night's sleep is not just a novelty, it's a necessity. The effects of fatigue are far-reaching  and can have an adverse impact on all areas of our lives.
Our 24/7 Workforce
Our bodies are programmed to be tired at night and alert during the day, but work often requires us to override those natural sleep patterns. More than 37% of workers are sleep-deprived, and those most at risk work the night shift, long shifts or irregular shifts. The following are a few facts for employers:
  • Safety performance decreases as employees become tired
  • 62% of night shift workers complain about sleep loss
  • Fatigued worker productivity costs employers $1,200 to $3,100 per employee annually
  • Employees on rotating shifts are particularly vulnerable because they cannot adapt their "body clocks" to an alternative sleep pattern
To continue this article from the National Safety Council click here.
For other Worker Safety briefs visit the T2 Center website's Tailgate Talks.
Tips from Tony ~ Answer

In 2008, The CT General Statute 14-232 was passed. This statute requires Connecticut  motorists to allow at least three feet of separation when overtaking and passing cyclists. Failure to do so could cause motorists to receive a fine under the motor vehicle code "failure to grant the right of way to a bicycle" (14-232). There is no MUTCD approved sign, that can be used to communicate the new law.
According to FHWA, roadside signing should not be used to convey laws, public awareness campaigns are more appropriate and effective for promoting such laws.
To help local agencies communicate this and other share the road information, to members of your community, the T2 Center and the CT Dept. of Transportation developed a comprehensive Tech Brief that can be found here.
If you have any ideas or suggestions for future Connecticut Crossroads topics, please feel free to email the designer Regina Hackett at regina.hackett@uconn.edu.