When people think about “stopping distance,” they usually picture a vehicle skidding to a stop in a haze of blue smoke. But bringing a vehicle to a stop is a more complicated process than you think. The first step occurs … Continue reading →
On Sept. 4 New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a citywide ordinance mandating the use of a minimum B5 biodiesel fuel in all internal fleet vehicles. The mandate also required that April through November all public works vehicles will … Continue reading →
In the last article, I discussed how a vehicle “burns off” kinetic energy and comes to a stop. We mentioned that when the tires on a vehicle lock up, they slide across the road surface and create tremendous amounts of … Continue reading →
Biodiesel fuels are diesel fuels that are animal fat or vegetable oil based. After production, they are chemically combined with methane alcohol to produce fatty acid esters, which can then be burned. Without the proper chemical reaction, glycerine, which is … Continue reading →
By BARB SIEMINSKI | The Municipal Here comes the sun, hopes Chattanooga, Tenn. In February, Chattanooga, Tenn., installed solar-powered parking meters. Jim Bowen, director of special projects with the Chattanooga Parking Authority, said officials approved the investment of more than … Continue reading →
This is the second in a series of articles on the prevention of emergency vehicle crashes. Any moving vehicle has kinetic energy, which is a function of how fast it’s traveling and how large it is. Take a 30,000-pound fire … Continue reading →
By CARRIE BANKS | Communications director, Alabama League of Municipalities Because they must often operate vehicles at high speeds and in hazardous conditions, driving skills are critical for law enforcement and emergency personnel. Alabama League of Municipalities’ Loss Control Division … Continue reading →
Next to walking and hiking, cycling is the most popular outdoor activity in the United States. As more Americans take to their bikes and ride, municipalities are developing innovative bike paths and off-road trails and implementing bike share programs in … Continue reading →
You arrive at the firehouse and walk into the radio room, only to find four of your co-workers sitting in their chairs like statues, afraid to move a muscle. An engineer is teetering on a pile of phone books, trying … Continue reading →
Jonesborough, Tenn., the county seat of Washington County, is known as the oldest town in the state. It is located not far from South Carolina; Johnson City, Tenn.; East Tennessee State University; and several major employers. “We receive a tremendous … Continue reading →
“We’re all in this together” is the theme of the 2013 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15–19. The theme highlights the complexities of work zones, especially in urban areas, and the need for awareness and planning on the part … Continue reading →
