Highway debris represents a traffic safety problem that requires a prompt response from state or local transportation agencies. The most common practice for debris removal currently is for agency personnel to leave their vehicles and remove the debris by hand in the case of large debris (tires, lumber, freight loss, rock fall) or to sweep traveled lanes shoulders, or intersections in the case of crashes, mechanical failure, or embankment erosion. This exposes agency workers to safety risks, especially on high-speed and/or high-volume roadways. Currently, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has no widely distributed formal guidelines for safely and effectively removing debris from the roadway.
The study found that FAST systems have demonstrated the potential to reduce the number of crashes and reduce the cost of winter maintenance activities, if sited at appropriate locations (e.g., high-traffic-volume ice-prone ramps). However, improved installation techniques and involvement of maintenance crews during FAST installation are necessary to further increase the cost-effectiveness of a FAST system deployment. Extra effort will be made in sharing the information gained from this research study by focusing on CDOT personnel involved in planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of FAST systems.
The role of the public health nurse in the early identification of children with physical disabilities and/or developmental delays has been and will always be a vital component in assuring the early intervention and appropriate referral for further assessment and/or treatment. Part C challenges all professionals to work collaboratively in order to develop the best plan of care to "enhance the development of handicapped infants and toddlers; to minimize their potential for developmental delay" and to "enhance the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their infants and toddlers with handicaps."
