MENU
SEARCHThe Iowa Department of Transportation is currently testing road sensors designed to detect and warn drivers of icy road conditions to prevent accidents caused by slippery winter roads.
Photo via Solar Bright
Photo via Solar Bright
The Iowa Department of Transportation is currently testing road sensors designed to detect and warn drivers of icy road conditions, according to a KCCI Des Moines report.
The devices, called PATeye sensors, are installed in the road like center lane deflectors and begin to flash when icy conditions are present. The PATeye is designed to detect the likelihood of frost development on different surfaces, including multiple road types, rails, and sidewalks.
The sensor is triggered when the ground temperature reaches a pre-determined mark and illuminates the road to get a driver’s attention as well as illuminate any patches of black ice.
The Iowa DOT currently has two of the sensors installed in its parking lots.
In some cases, the Iowa DOT has found that the sensors were triggered too often in conditions where conditions are cold but too dry for ice to really develop. However, it remains optimistic about the benefits of the system and is working with the PATeye developer on the device’s functionality, according to the report.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
