Dow Wins Safety Innovation Award

Award sponsored by UPS

To prevent serious, crushing injuries with aerial lift equipment and improve upon original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) technology, The Dow Chemical Company partnered with OEMs and leasing companies to develop and implement next-generation solutions. Dow has pushed for continued technology developments to improve safety for its workers and contractors. Dow participated in field trials for the three OEMs, developing proximity sensor options and integrated automatic controls, and deployed all three into their North American sites with plans to fully globalize equipment in 2020.

Meet the Other Finalists

DADSS/Driven to Protect Virginia

Driven to Protect is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety program. DADSS is advancing development of vehicle–integrated technology that detects driver blood-alcohol level and can prevent the vehicle from moving if the driver is legally impaired. Through real–world testing of the technology in vehicles operated by a local transportation company, via conferences, minor league baseball games, festivals and fairs, and now through network technology, Driven to Protect builds awareness and acceptance among Virginians of the role that novel, advanced technology can play to help keep road users safe. The initiative also works to educate Virginians about the dangers of alcohol–impaired driving and how to avoid those dangers. DADSS technology is forecasted to reach the consumer market in the next few years.

Illinois Tollway

To reduce work zone crashes, transportation agencies in several states began introducing smart work zones in the 2000s. Illinois Tollway has taken smart work zones one step further, combining fundamental traffic and incident management practices with the agency’s intelligent transportation system infrastructure, including traffic sensors, CCTV cameras, communications and digital roadway signage, to provide reliable real-time information to motorists. Tollway studies demonstrated a 65% lower crash severity rating and dropped the secondary crash rate from 25% in 2001 to just 3% systemwide.