The last two weeks have brought profound sorrow to the Iowa DOT family.
We tragically lost Matt Dickerson, one of our maintenance employees out of our Neola Garage when he was struck and killed in a work zone on I-80 near Council Bluffs Thursday, May 16.
Earlier that week we were shocked to learn of the passing of Bob Mycka, an assistant survey party chief in northwest Iowa.
And just this past Saturday, we received the devastating news that we lost Tracey Bramble, the consistent voice of the Iowa DOT’s social media, one of the creators of our overhead interstate board messages, and the writer of this blog. We can honestly say, our messages, and the Roadside Chat program will never be the same without Tracey’s personal stamp.
To put it simply, our hearts are broken.
These three deaths are a stark reminder that things can change in the blink of an eye. Show your loved ones that you care.
Buckle up – It’s a quick action that you, and every passenger in your vehicle, can do to help protect yourselves in a crash.
Give hugs – Make sure those important to you know how much they mean to you. If you aren’t a hugger show them you care in ways that are meaningful to you.
Consider organ donation – Organ donation is one way your legacy can live on. Your donation could save or enhance the lives of many people. Tracey was an organ donor, are you? Register when you renew your driver’s license or learn more at Iowa Donor Network, www.iowadonornetwork.org.
Here’s a little ditty in honor of Tracey one of the voices of the DOT. You’ve traced your name in the sands of our hearts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcpPD2fl6ZQ.
In 2024 in Iowa, 99 people have been killed in traffic crashes as of Friday, May 24. That’s an increase of 11 since Friday, May 17. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf
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