Road Safety

New traffic lights

2009-09-23T17:01:00.001-07:00

It seems like just about everywhere in Brevard County and Indian River County (perhaps the rest of Florida too) old traffic lights are being replaced by a new breed of presumably hurricane resistant green monster poles reaching out over the road where lights were once hanging on cables to sway wildly in a good wind.

I am just guessing about the reason but I know that when strong hurricanes hit many traffic lights get blown away or just end up dangling where they aren't supposed to be.

Even the old style mounted on smaller poles are being replaced with the monster poles

I've actually been seeing them in Florida for a number of years with lights hanging perpendicular to the poles on the newer roadways

But the new poles have lights mounted parallel to the poles which will further prevent wind from affecting the lights.

I also noticed they all have cameras conveniently mounted on them as well, hmmm, wonder what they are for.

I also wonder what happens when a car hits one of the poles, are they break-away like the old ones, and if so what about the guy under the falling pole?

Looking at the size of the poles, I imagine it will be more like hitting a concrete abutment than a break-away pole.

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

Heading north to take care of stuff.

2009-09-08T22:44:00.001-07:00

Farewell Sebastian Florida, hope to be back very soon.

Got to take care of business in Burlington Ontario then I'll be back.

While traveling through Virginia, I heard a really disturbing bit of news then saw evidence of what I heard.

Due to budget restraints Virginia is CLOSING 14 of it's 42 REST AREAS and I've heard similar stories in other states.

What about DRIVER FATIGUE, TUNNEL VISION, HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS, SAFETY BREAKS ? ? ?

Just how many deaths does it cost to keep a rest area open?

One sleepy driver killed per year crashing into the ditch because he was too tired to make the next exit,

Ten dozy drivers per year crossing the median crashing head-on into unsuspecting oncoming traffic because they didn't stop 196 miles ago at the last rest area,

One hundred drivers killed per year because they fell asleep behind the wheel and left the road striking whatever or whoever was in their path only because they couldn't find a reasonably safe place to pull off the Interstate and rest for a little while ? ? ?

I say keep them open and add more for safety's sake . . . and the occasional pee.

Let Corporate America fund them with advertising revenue and concessions. I'm not talking about full blown service plazas just small food and beverage concessions and advertising opportunities to support maintenance of the rest area.

How much can it cost to cut the grass, have a couple of lights on, supply water and clean toilets?

I'm just thinkin' . . . . . . .

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

Revisiting the ETV

2009-08-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

After seeing this amazing car at Checkers last Thursday and posting a few photos here, I have it's creator's approval to release some info about it.

Mike Vetter produces these beauties at The Car Factory in Micco Florida just down the road from me.

www.kitcarmike.com

Mike Vetter
321-431-8120

Here are a couple of videos of the car

If interested please do give Mike a call. I'm sure he'd be happy to build one for you.

By the way, you can find Mike at Old Town (Kissimmee) next Saturday under the clock tower

View Larger Map

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Shuttle Launch

2009-08-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

I Blew it, I had what should have been a spectacular shot of the Shuttle launch but I lost it.

I was taking a time lapse photo and while I was trying to end the exposure, I accidently moved the battery door on my camera and lost power before the image was saved to memory.

It was gone.

The photo below is about 3 minutes into the flight as it heads north up the coast.

The photo I should be posting of the first 3 minutes would have lots of bright flame with a brilliant orange glow in the sky that lights up the whole river like the shot below that I did not take.

The shuttle lifted off in the bottom left corner of the frame went close to the top of the frame then arched down as it flew north away from me into the horizon.

Oh well, maybe next time.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Is it a car? Does it fly? Can I have one?

2009-08-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

Anyone living around Sebastian Florida probably knows that car enthusiasts gather to show and admire all their classic cars at Checkers on Thursday nights.

Last night, as I passed by Checkers slowly checking out some cool cars and saw this vehicle and just had to stop and check it out closer.

I talked briefly to the creator of this work of art and got his card (in case someone wants him to build one for them.)

To contact the creator, visit

www.kitcarmike.com

Or call Mike Vetter
321-431-8120

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Shuttle launch

2009-08-27T20:41:00.001-07:00

Shuttle launch scrubbed again

Photo from Nasa

Nasa scrubbed the second and third launch opportunities now the next window is 11:59 PM Friday.

Maybe everything will be go for launch this time.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

WHAT THE . . . . . .

2009-08-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Whoa . . . What was that?

A race car flying up US 1

I saw him coming up very quickly from behind me as I was entering the left turn lane, he passed so fast that these are the best shots I could get even though I was stopped and my camera was right beside me.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Night Shuttle Launch

2009-08-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well the launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns last night, maybe tonight!

Photo from Nasa

From my location there was a perfect hole in the sky last night at launch time with nothing but stars where the shuttle should appear. I hope the clouds cooperate again tonight.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Shuttle Launch

2009-08-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

Theres going to be a night Shuttle launch and hopefully I can get a shot like this tonight.

Past launches I have never been ready to shoot but tonight I'm going to be ready (if they launch and if there are no clouds)

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Water Safety

2009-08-24T13:51:00.001-07:00

Never forget about Water Safety no matter how much fun it is.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Photos from Sebastian Florida

2009-08-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

You can listen to Pete Harris Music while you read my blog or my Road Safety website or site on Forklift Safety or Optical Illusions, Web Animations, My Photography, Photo Blog or Truck Photos.
Ever seen a Smoke Tree?

A couple of signs in Sebastian

2009-08-18T23:13:00.001-07:00

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

The new bridge is open!

2009-08-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

In 2004, Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne pounded the Florida coast within three weeks, the worst of both storms was just south of Sebastian Inlet.

The storms did major damage to the old Sebastian River bridge, washed out part of the bridge approach and caused major flooding in the area.

The bridge was closed for a while causing people to detour to reach Sebastian from Micco.
My brother lives three miles from his work, his detour to get to work was 37 miles (each way).

They demolished the old bridges and replaced them with a bigger better stronger bridge which is much wider and safer than before.

For the local residents it's been a couple of years of inconvenience and congestion due to the construction but it's nearly complete.

The northbound lanes just opened a few days ago and according to the paper, the final clean-up and lane alignment will be finished soon, two months ahead of schedule.

Hurray for the Contractors!

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Driving around in Sebastian Florida

2009-08-13T09:38:00.001-07:00

I always take my camera with me, even while hitting the bricks looking for a job.

I never know when a Kodak moment may appear.

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

More traffic from the Sunshine State

2009-08-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

Hanging around in Florida

2009-08-05T19:13:00.001-07:00

Well,

I have arrived in Florida. (a couple of weeks ago)

and YES, I saw Ruby Falls,

pretty cool.

I'm always amazed at the abundance of wildlife when I reach Florida.

From the Sandhill Cranes and Lizards that hang out at my mom's house

The Peacocks, Peahens and Lizards that hang out at my sisters house.

The Rabbits, Squirrels, Lizards and big bugs at my brothers house

to the fish, birds, Lizards and alligators along the River.

Oh and there are Lizards in Florida too, if you look closely you might see a few thousand,
pretty cool, they keep the bugs down.

anyway . . .

I like the local traffic.

NO TRAFFIC JAMS AROUND HERE!

See other photos at donssite.com, my photo blog or see Truck photos, optical illusions or web animations

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
Listen to Pete Harris while you surf.

Travel Photos

2009-07-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just love traveling the Interstates

You see such a variety of drivers and vehicles

There are always cool sites to see whichever route I take.

Lots of different terrains

Lots of construction

and as always

Lots of hazards

You can't go through many states without seeing an accident

On this trip to Florida I saw far less than I normally see.

I like the reminder that Kentucky displays in this memorial

Any accident, any injury, any fatality is too many.

Drive Safe, Drive Alert, Arrive Alive and Unhurt!

Every driver that uses the roads is responsible for keeping them safe.

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
See Truck photos or my other photos at donssite.com
and my photo blog or see optical illusions or web animations

Now you can listen to Pete Harris too

CRASH, BANG, tinkle, tinkle . . .

2009-07-10T09:07:00.001-07:00

I was sitting in my back yard enjoying a nice sunny afternoon when a loud crash broke the dull whoosh of passing traffic.

I live on the corner at the intersection of a busy highway and a side street and unfortunately I see a lot of accidents right here.

Luckily, nobody was seriously injured in this crash although one lady was taken to Hospital for observation.

I don't know the exact details but I believe the Volvo driver was blinded by the sun while making a left turn and did not see the Mercedes.

In the eight years I have lived here, I have seen numerous serious crashes here including two that took out traffic light poles and one where a car flipped and did several barrel rolls.

Besides the human suffering resulting from a car crash, the financial cost can be tremendous, especially when large vehicles are involved.

The cost of commercial vehicle collisions can easily reach a half million dollars or more even when there are no injuries and can affect thousands of drivers with gridlock and detours.

In the end, the tow truck operators are the only ones that really benefit from a collision, let's put them out of business, . . . OK?

Drive to Arrive Alive!

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
See Truck photos or my other photos at donssite.com
and my photo blog or see optical illusions or web animations

Now you can listen to Pete Harris too

Too much carnage on the roads

2009-06-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

There is far too much carnage on the roads, Just this last week a number of people were killed in various types of accidents.

But this week, it's close to home, a relative was hit and killed while walking home last Saturday night.

20 year old Jeffrey Wide was struck from behind by an SUV and died at the scene.

The details still have not been released but the devastation to the family and his many friends has been done.

We've all seen the roadside memorials, unfortunately far too many.

It's so tragic that a small mistake, momentary lapse of attention or driver distraction can cause a fatal accident in the blink of an eye.

EVERYONE MUST drive like their life depends on it, because their life and lives of loved ones DO!

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
See Truck photos or my other photos at donssite.com
and my photo blog or see optical illusions, web animations or my Smoke Tree
You can listen to Pete Harris too

Tanker Slosh ?

2009-06-12T00:07:00.001-07:00

I don't know what caused this accident but it brings to mind the possibility of "Tanker Slosh"

Tankers may have baffles and different compartments to help stabilize their liquid load but just like loads shifting in an earlier post cargo that is in motion will tend to remain in motion.

If the driver makes an emergency move, the liquid may slosh about in the tank causing the driver to momentarily or totally lose control of the vehicle.

In the case of a tanker exiting a highway, if a car slowed quickly in front of this truck and he hit his breaks too quickly, half a second later the truck will lunge forward from the inertia of the liquid as it surges forward in tanks. If the truck is turning at a speed as on an exit ramp, that inertia could try to keep the truck going straight, and in this case it was straight into the ditch.

Whatever the cause, I suspect this driver may have been exiting a little too fast for the curve he was in.

Need I mention to leave lots of room for trucks especially if they are carrying gasoline and never brake hard in front of a truck, he may not be able to stop.

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
See Truck photos or my other photos at donssite.com
and my photo blog or see optical illusions, web animations or my Smoke Tree
You can listen to Pete Harris too

Is It Safe Yet?

2009-05-29T10:40:00.001-07:00

Well I thought winter was finished but for the last week I've been seeing leaves shriveling up from frost damage.

It is finished . . . isn't it?

It's almost June, surely Summer is coming, right

Then why is it still so cold (around here anyway)

I want to lose the pants and I'm tired of wearing socks with my "Flip Flops" to keep my toes warm.

Someday soon.

I can't wait till my Smoke Tree comes out in bloom and I can take summery pictures for donssite or my photo blog again.

For now you can read up on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca and Forklift Safety at liftright.net
or see truck photos, optical illusions and web animations

Load Shift

2009-05-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what happens inside a truck that has to slam on it's brakes or swerve to avoid taking out a car?

Some loads are heavy and don't take much to shift.

Banding, straps and various restraint methods may not ensure that the load remains secure in an emergency move.

Sometimes the packaging or improper loading can contribute to damage from an evasive action.

Best thing is to leave lots of space between vehicles and don't give trucks a reason to make evasive moves, it just might save your life!

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
See Truck photos or my other photos at donssite.com
and my photo blog or see optical illusions or web animations

Now you can listen to Pete Harris too

Smoke

2009-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

I still haven't heard what burned in this "industrial fire".

The police had the area blocked off pretty good and the radio only said industrial fire when they talked about it, though they did mention plastics.

I'm sort of curious because I used to work real close to the "scene".

Thick black smoke was drifting across the highway and it was during rush hour so commuters were not impressed with the back-up which went several miles. Luckily I was going the other direction.

Read up on Road Safety or on Forklift Safety or Optical Illusions, Web Animations, My Photography, or Truck Photos.

Wheelies on the Highway

2009-05-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

I've seen a lot of stupid moves on the highway by a lot of people that should not be allowed on the highway but a couple of nights ago I saw what absolutely had to be tops in stupidity and the most dangerous stunt I've ever seen.

I was driving along in a construction zone at night in fairly heavy traffic where 3 traffic lanes were re-aligned several times over a couple of miles. The lanes shifted suddenly along the stretch with uneven pavement and poorly marked lanes.

Suddenly, a motorcycle passed me doing a wheelie at about 75 miles an hour in the inside lane. That IDIOT was followed by a Honda Civic passing me in the outside lane swerving in and out of traffic with about twenty seven kids hanging out the windows shooting videos with their cell phones. I guess it will be all over youtube by now, maybe I can find it and include it in a follow up post.

This stunt could have turned fatal so quickly in so many ways.

The motorcycle was totaly invisible to me as it approached because his headlight was pointing upward, he continued on passing a number of other cars after me. He passed me where the lanes shifted and the uneven pavement shifted across each lane at an angle and where the lanes were not clearly marked. I could have drifted in front of him without realizing and it would look like it was my fault.

I wonder if any of those kids would volunteer their videos if there was an accident.

More on road safety at http://www.ezee.ca
Forklift Safety at liftright.net
See Truck photos or my other photos at donssite.com
and my photo blog or see optical illusions or web animations

Pete Harris Video

2009-05-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd drop a link to one of Pete's Videos

Listen to Pete's Music

maybe look at Optical Illusions, Web Animations or Truck Photos while you listen to Pete or see My Photography or Photo Blog or these sites on Road Safety or on Forklift Safety