Colbern Road Bridges Ribbon Cutting

It's not often MoDOT has a project that is just steps away from the District Office door, but that's exactly what happened when MoDOT rehabilitated the Colbern Road Bridges over I-470 and Route 291. 

To celebrate the hard work of our employees, as well as the new bridges, the District Office held an employee-only ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The ceremony was complete with speakers Brian Kidwell (District Engineer), Jacob Wilson (Resident Engineer), and Melissa Black (Communications Manager).

As a special surprise, Intermediate Construction Inspector Lisa Raybourn, was given a Best Practice in Project Communications award. This award was presented to her for her outstanding communication during the project.

MoDOT Kansas City thanks everyone for their patience with this project!  See the full photo gallery here.

KC Scout Features Emergency Response Operators in New Video Series

This month KC Scout launched a new campaign featuring the Emergency Response team to bring awareness to this outstanding safety program and to remind motorists to Move Over for emergency responders on the roadways. 

The campaign started this month to coincide with Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week. 

Across the country every year, hundreds of emergency responders representing fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, towing and transportation agencies are struck and either injured or killed while responding to incidents on the roadway. 

Last year, KC Scout responded to more than 30,000 incidents on metro roadways. That’s more than 30,000 times a motorist had a flat tire, a semi overturned during rush hour or debris littered a high-speed lane. Each time, these incident responders were putting their safety on the line to clear the incident and return traffic to normal as quickly as possible.

In the past 10 years, MoDOT has had three emergency response employees killed while working incidents on the road. 

A new video will be posted through May. Check out the first video here: http://bit.ly/2BqB0ZI

Safety Shout: No Shortcuts

The spirit and intent of MoDOT policy is that you not take shortcuts, never sacrifice safety for production or speed, and that you take the time needed to do the job safely. Over time, you might fudge just a little on the rules or best practices. Next thing you know, you’ve deviated significantly and done it for so long it seems like it’s not even wrong. It seems normal. This is called Normalization of Deviance, and it kills. 

Take the Challenger space shuttle disaster, for example. NASA initially considered the issues that caused the disaster to be very serious at first. But, over time, and without any serious mishaps, they gradually grew to accept the risks as “the cost of doing business.” Then, on one rare cold day in Florida…well, the rest is history. If it can happen to a bunch of rocket scientists, don’t you think it can happen to you? NOW is the time review your work procedures and habits against the no-kidding right way to do it, as inconvenient as that may be. Here are some examples to get you started, and you probably have some others if you do some soul searching…

• Do you perform good circle checks, every time? Do you pre-trip trucks and equipment properly?
• Do you take defective equipment out of service, or do you use it anyway? Do you inform the mechanic?
• When you set a taper, do you run it the full length called for in the EPG?
• When you set signs, do you always use the specific correct signs for the application, and the right number?
• Flagging is one of your most dangerous jobs. Do you use ALL the required equipment and signs EVERY TIME you flag? Do you ALWAYS face traffic and stay out of the shade so your outline is clearly visible?
• Do you use the most effective and appropriate arrow board signal, and change it every time you should, or do you just leave it on “Caution” because that’s a little easier?
• Do you drive heavy equipment way too far because loading it is such a pain? Do you fully secure all loose cargo and tarp it when needed, whether it’s rock, sand, signs or salt?
• Do you properly pre-trip trailers like they’re part of your vehicle? (They are.) Do you ALWAYS hitch them properly, using all the provided safety features?
• Do you always set outriggers and other stabilizers like you’re supposed to?
• Do you use tools and equipment only for their intended purpose, or do you sometimes hammer with a wrench?
• Do you wear all PPE required for the particular duty you’re doing? Not just a vest, hardhat and safety glasses, but also chaps, gloves and hearing protection? Do you dump the bump cap when it’s time for a hard hat?
• Do you take the longer way around to avoid steep slopes when mowing?

So, how about it? Whether you’re a new employee or a seasoned supervisor, it’s easy to slip into complacency. Take a few minutes, before every task, to check your six, and your coworker’s as well. We’ve seen too many times that the alternative is far, far too costly. If you would like more information on this or any safety topic, please contact district risk management.
JUST DO IT RIGHT!

Annual Holiday Potluck Lunch Will Be Dec. 12

MoDOT Kansas City's Annual Holiday Potluck Lunch will be on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the District Office.

Please bring an appetizer, side dish, salad, or dessert to share with the District Office staff. Meat will be provided by the management team. 

KC EAC will be hosting an Ugly Sweater Contest complete with fun prizes. If you'd like to participate, be sure to wear your holiday apparel or submit a photo / video of your sweater (in the event you cannot attend) to be judged. Submissions may be sent to kceaec@modot.mo.gov.

We hope to see you there!

Main Street Bridge in Grandview Ribbon Cutting

The City of Grandview, MO and MoDOT hosted a ribbon cutting for the Main Street Bridge over Interstate 49 in Grandview on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

While the event was short and sweet, the importance of the completion of the bridge was huge to the Grandview community. The existing bridge was over 60 years old and pre-dated many of the businesses and residents who use the bridge. Over the decades, this bridge has become an important piece of infrastructure to the community as it sits in a continuously growing and expanding area. It, too, must grow to serve the city it serves.

"We're thrilled to be a part of this ribbon cutting. Bridges tend to be pretty ubiquitous. We drive over them all of the time and don't think much about them. However, this bridge is vital to the community. We're pleased to open it back up and return this busy interchange back to normal," says Assistant District Engineer, Chris Redline.

The Mayor of Grandview, Leonard Jones, spoke on behalf of the city and thanked the city of Grandview and MoDOT for its partnership on the project. 

In addition to widening the lanes and shoulders of the bridge, crews also added new traffic signals at the intersections and created a safe pedestrian crossing on both sides of the bridge. This bridge sees so much vehicular and pedestrian traffic that crews worked to keep one lane open in each direction during construction as well as a protecting pedestrian crossing. 

And finally, the City of Grandview added several enhancements to make the bridge uniquely part of the city and part of their Main Street improvements. To see a full photo gallery, click here.

(Photo Gallery) MoDOT KC Holiday Blood Drive 2017

Safety Shout: Vehicle and Equipment Pre-Checks

Who invented the first motorized vehicle? Was it Mr. Cugnot? Was it Mr. Benz? Or was it Mr. Ford? Whatever you thought you learned in school, forget it. The real inventor of the first motorized vehicle (and every one of them since) was Mr. Murphy, of “Murphy’s Law” fame. Whatever can go wrong, will. Take care of the vehicle, or it’ll certainly take care of you, but good.

Operators/drivers should always perform thorough pre-trip checks. While “pre-trip” generally applies to CDL equipment, it really is beneficial to any vehicle. Ignoring minor maintenance assures major problems. Checking oil and fluids, belt tightness, basic soundness (i.e., for leaks) and tire pressure can keep equipment operating safely. “Don’t sweat the small stuff” is really bad advice when it comes to vehicles.

A simple way to remember what to pre-check on CDL equipment (or any vehicle, for that matter) is to follow the “7-Step” formula:

1. Perform a quick circle-check, looking for obvious problems such as someone cooking meth in the back seat, or worse, a Broncos or Raiders bumper sticker.

2. Check the engine compartment and everything in it. Check oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering, and transmission fluid levels. Pull on belts and check their condition. Look for leaks.

3. Start the motor and inspect inside the cab. Check gauges and look for lit “idiot lights.” Test steering tightness. Adjust seats and seat belts as needed.

4. Turn off the motor and check the headlights and tail lights.

5. Walk around again and give the whole vehicle a once-over. Look for obvious damage or problems. Check for abnormal tire wear or low tires, obvious leaks, loose parts, etc. This is also a great time to check for children or animals around or under the vehicle.

6. Check turn signals and any emergency lights.

7. Start the motor again and look for hydraulic leaks with the systems under load. Test the parking brake, as well as the main brakes.

From time to time during operation, remember to briefly check on gauges, tires, mirrors and lights. Physically inspect cargo and load securement. Watch and listen for anything abnormal.

When your trip or workday is done, document and report anything that needs repair. Don’t ignore it or leave it for someone else. Remember, machines don’t care about your convenience or your budget. Waiting for a “better time” for minor maintenance is an open invitation for Mr. Murphy to pay you a visit.

If you would like more information on this or any safety topic, contact District Risk Management.

Adopt a MoDOT Family

The Kansas City Employee Assistance Fund is offering you the opportunity to help members of our own MoDOT Family. We are looking for families to consider. We are asking that applicants demonstrate the circumstances of the family's need and a "wish list" of items to make the holiday bright by completing and submitting an application. Please contact the EAF for this application by emailing kceaec@modot.mo.gov.

Anyone is welcome to recommend a MoDOT employee if they know of one in need this holiday season. Applications are due by December 1. 

If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, there are a few ways to do so:

• Directly to any KC EAF committee member
• Deposit into the Employee Assistance Fund/Adopt a Family account at Summit Ridge Credit Union
• Mail (USPS or Interdepartmental) address to:
  KC EAF
  600 NE Colbern Road
  Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Both cash and checks are accepted. Please makes checks payable to Employee Assistance Fund and put Adopt a Family on the memo line. 

On behalf of the KC EAF and the families we will help, thank you very much!

KC Scout, MoDOT Join Mothers Against Drunk Driving for Tie One on For Safety

On a dreary Monday morning, a KC Scout Emergency Response truck pulled into the long line of vehicles from Missouri Highway Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff, Kansas City Police Department and many others. They were together to support the Heartland Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving kick off the Tie One On for Safety public awareness project. 

Started in 1986, Tie One On For Safety^® is MADD’s longest running and most visible public awareness project. The name comes from the phrase “tie one on,” which is slang for drinking alcohol. But at MADD we use the phrase to remind everyone that drinking and driving don’t mix.

Some of the most dangerous days of the year on our nation’s roadways are between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Last year 891 people were killed in drunk driving crashes which is 26 percent of total traffic fatalities during this time. That is why every holiday season from November 1^st through December 31^st MADD asks you to display a MADD red ribbon in a visible location to remind others to always designate a non-drinking driver.

This event also marks the beginning of the national Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week. 

Nashua Project Office - Coin War Lunch

Safety Shout: The Heat Is On

When winter’s chill is in the air, it’s nice to know you have a warm and cozy place waiting. Winter will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to make sure your heating system is serviced and working properly.

• Fall is a good time to have your heating system checked or to do it yourself. If you wait until there’s a problem, you might wind up waiting in line. HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) repair companies get really busy in the winter, when poorly maintained systems begin to fail. Next-day service may sound fast, but you could get really cold and miserable in only a few hours. Preventive maintenance may prevent a failure and multiple verbal outbursts.
• There are some things you can check and fix yourself. The easiest, and one of the most important, is to change your furnace air filter. A dirty filter restricts air flow and causes your system to work harder. It also reduces the amount of heated air the system can circulate. Over time, a dirty filter may cause the blower to fail, resulting in expensive repair bills. Check your filter at least monthly and replace it if it looks dirty. If you have pets, or if the blower is in a basement, the filter will get dirty faster.
• If you have a gas system (not to be confused with gas in your system) check to make sure the pilot light or plug is working properly. Check the flame color (only on your HVAC system, never on your own system). Blue flame normally means the gas is being burned efficiently. This is important because partially burned gas produces carbon monoxide, which is toxic. Check your owner’s manual or online for specific information.
• Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors. Most are inexpensive, similar to smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide gas (CO) displaces oxygen, and can kill you in your sleep. Detectors will wake you and your family if there’s a problem with the heating that produces O2, preventing a tragedy.
• Never do any work on your heating system until you disconnect or turn off the power. The best place to do this is at the fuse box or circuit breaker. Lock and/or tag it out, so no one inadvertently turns the power on while you’re working. This is important whether you have gas or electric heat, since even gas systems have electric components.  If you use propane, purchase it only from reputable companies. Do not overfill a propane tank, or temperature rises may cause it to vent violently or explode.
• Never use heaters designed for outdoor use indoors. If you use any kind of liquid or gas fired heater it is absolutely critical that it be properly vented to avoid CO poisoning.

A good cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger) while watching it snow outside from a warm chair inside is one of life’s simple pleasures. Watching it snow from a plow truck is less pleasurable, but either way, you want your heating system to work when you need it. Take care of it, so you don’t get the outside in. If you would like more information on heating system maintenance, contact district Risk Management staff.

Off the Clock with Jeff Mays

MoDOT Kansas City is excited to release the latest installment to its podcast series, Off the Clock. This month, we're chatting with Jeff Mays. Jeff is a maintenance supervisor at the Lee's Summit West maintenance facility. 

Jeff Mays is a former a professional baseball player. Today he is dedicated to helping young players reach their goals. For the full podcast, please click here and be sure to subscribe!

EAF Donations via Payroll Deduction

The Employee Assistance Extension Council (The Bridge) is introducing a new way to raise money for the Employee Assistance Fund. The EAF is a fund used to assist our fellow MoDOT employees in need. Whether it be financial assistance with bills or buying Christmas presents for the Adopt-A-Family Program, the EAF is dedicated to helping our co-workers the best it can. 

To raise these funds, The Bridge has relied on fundraisers such as Big Truck Night, raffles, and chili-cook offs, to name a few. Now, employees have the option to donate directly to the EAF via payroll deduction. 

If each employee just donated .50 cents per pay period, the EAF could receive approximately an additional $650 a month. All of these funds go directly to those in need right here at MoDOT. 

Members of Summit Ridge Credit Union are eligible to sign up for this great cause! It only takes a moment and you'll be able to make a world of a difference right here! Please consider contacting Summit Ridge Credit Union today to sign up by calling 816-272-6160 or contact the EAF with any questions at EAF@modot.mo.gov.

Introducing the The Bridge's New Leadership

The Bridge (Kansas City's Employee Advisory Extension Council) is excited to announce it's new leadership team. 

• Chair - James Miles (Maintenance)
• Vice Co-chair - Elizabeth Hart (Bridge Crew)
• Secretary - Krystal Jolly (Traffic)
• Assistant Secretary - Lee Ann Otis (Maintenance)

The Bridge is a forum for ongoing discussion about the questions, comments, or concerns of employees. The committee is made up of a variety of MoDOT employees from many departments. 

In addition to being a forum, the Bridge helps employees in need in a variety of ways. Whether it be money for bills or gifts for Christmas, the the group raises money to help employees in need through a variety of fundraisers such as Big Truck Night, silent auctions, and chili cook offs. 

This group is a great opportunity for anyone that wants to help others and serve MoDOT in a unique and fun way. For more information about The Bridge, please visit the Sharepoint Page.

REMINDER: Lunch and Learn about Graduated Driver's License is Next Week!

Research confirms that Graduated Driver License laws (GDL) reduce teen crashes.

First Impact is a traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law as well as provides them with the tools they need to monitor, coach and support their new teen driver.

Grab your sack lunch and join the First Impact Team for a FREE lunch and learn about the GDL Program on Nov. 16 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 136 at the District office.

Objectives of the program are to increase:

•    Awareness of teen driving risks
•    Understanding of Missouri’s GDL law
•    GDL monitoring and enforcement at home
•    Importance of being a positive role model
• 
  

A Live Action Game of Clue Takes Place at MoDOT KC

Just in time for Halloween, members of the MoDOT District Office played a little game of Clue. 

In tradition of the famed murder mystery, District Design Engineer Jeff Hardy fell victim to murder and his body mysteriously disappeared.


Flyers were hung up around the District Office announcing Hardy's demise. The flyer read in part: 

"Jeff Hardy is missing!! He was last seen in his office on October 30th at 5:00 p.m. 

Because of his frequent court appearances, he has no small list of enemies." 

The flyer went on to say, " We've narrowed it down to six suspects. Please help us uncover who murdered him, where they did it and what they used to commit the crime." 

Also included on the flyer, plenty of clues!! 

The flyer said, "We have the solution envelope containing the cards with the actual suspect, location and weapon that was involved with the murder. 

The rest of of the cards are hidden throughout the office. Take a score card and start searching." 

Six suspects portrayed by various MoDOT co-workers served as potential suspects.


They even dressed as the characters in the book. 

Applications for Maintenance Leadership Academy

The deadline for applications for the 2018 Maintenance Leadership Academy is approaching.  All applications need to be reviewed by supervisors,superintendent, and received by HR no later than Thursday, Nov. 30. Click here to be taken to the Maintenance Leadership Academy sharepoint page that has information about the program as well as the application.

 

If you have any questions about MLA please let Jimmy Shannon know:

Jimmy Shannon, P.E.

Assistant District Maintenance Engineer - KC

Missouri Department of Transportation

Office: 816-607-2132

Cell: 816-607-1293

Safety Shout: Winterize Your Ride

You’d never know from our recent great weather, but winter’s coming. When the snow flies, the last thing you need is to be stranded or late because your vehicle broke down. Here are some tips to help you get safely from Point A to Point B without too much blustery language. Most are fairly simple do-it-yourself projects, or relatively inexpensive to have done. Sure beats a forced walk in the cold.

• Change the oil and filter. Motor oil is vital since it both lubricates and cools the engine. Follow the operator’s manual for type and viscosity. Brand loyalty is a personal preference, but you can save money by using rating instead of brand name. Current ratings are ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) GF-5, or API (American Petroleum Institute) Service SN. GM also has a “Dexos” rating. If oil meets these standards, it’s approved for virtually all motors including turbocharged ones. Properly rated store brands and generics are as good as expensive name brands; in fact, they come off the same production lines. Whatever oil you use, change it as often as your manual recommends. As a note, the “Every 3000 Mile” myth has been largely debunked…most modern oils can safely protect well over twice that long. Save Yo’ Money.
• Change your engine coolant/anti-freeze. The most frequent cause of winter overheating and boil-overs (ironic, isn’t it?) is old, dirty coolant in cold weather. It’s also a frequent cause of heater core failure, which sucks.
• Adjust tire air pressure often; it drops 2-3 pounds per square inch for every ten degrees the temperature drops. Your tires may be fine today, but too low when it gets cold. Low tire pressure saps gas mileage and can be dangerous. Also check the tread depth and general condition of your tires. Don’t forget the spare!
• Replace a dirty air filter. Most cars have automatic chokes, and a dirty air filter can make them less efficient so the engine is harder to start. Many shops will replace the air filter for you free when you buy one. If your engine needs new spark plugs or a tune-up, get them before it gets cold.
• Replace wiper blades and fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Seeing is a very good thing.
• Use gasoline with 10 percent ethanol (common in many brands today). Ethanol absorbs moisture, suspending condensation that might otherwise form droplets in straight gasoline. When temperatures change rapidly, this can help your vehicle run more smoothly and can prevent stalling.
• Your brakes are always important, but they’re even more so when it’s slick and icy. Have them checked and the pads or shoes replaced if needed. This is especially critical if for vehicles without anti-lock brakes.
• Keep a bag of cheap clay kitty litter handy. New kitty litter is way better than used. Anyway, if you get stuck, pouring it in front of and behind your drive tires can get you out of a jam and might save you a tow bill. Clean up afterward, so you don’t get a ticket for “littering.”
• Use a fuel stabilizer, such as Sta-Bil, if your vehicle (or power equipment, mower, etc.) won’t be started for a long time. Distillates in gasoline separate over time, and fuel stabilizer prevents this so starting is much easier.

Our customers count on us to make the roads safer for them when winter comes calling. The first step in that equation is getting to work safely yourself, and a well-maintained vehicle is key. If you would like additional information on this or any safety topic, contact district risk management.

Donate Blood on Nov. 22 and Receive a Chiefs T-Shirt!

The MoDOT Kansas City District Office is hosting a special blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in conference room 136. Donors will receive a limited edition Chiefs t-shirt. To schedule your appointment, click here.

Why Give Blood?

Community Blood Center must collect almost 600 units of blood daily to meet the needs of area hospital patients.  As there is no substitute for blood, we rely on volunteer donors like you to supply the life-saving blood and blood components to hospitals in Kansas and Missouri.

MoDOT KC Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony

MoDOT Kansas City hosted a Veterans Day luncheon and ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The annual event kicked off with a veteran only lunch in conference room 252 followed by a ceremony and coin presentation in conference room 136. Check out the full photo gallery here.

 About 40 veterans participated in the event. The ceremony included a special presentation by the Mayor of Blue Springs and retired U.S. Army Sergeant, Carson Ross. Mayor Ross spoke of his time in the military and how he went on to become the Mayor of Blue Springs. He also provided the veterans with some valuable veteran service information.

Following the guest speaker, District Engineer Brian Kidwell, as well as, Assistant District Engineers Chris Redline and Susan Barry, presented the veterans with coins to honor their service. To finish off the event, a dessert reception was held.

If you're interested in participating in next year's Veteran Day Ceremony, please contact communications.

Safety Shout: Safety Quiz!

Time for another flabbergasting quiz! What’s your safety IQ? See how many you can get right without peeking. Correct answers are at the end of this thread.

1. The best way to avoid overcorrecting and crashing when you drop tires off the roadway edge is to…
(A) Ease on the brake and turn the wheel a half-turn left
(B) Ease off both brake and gas, turn the wheel 1/8 turn left, then 1/4 right when tires hit pavement
(C) Ease off both brake and gas, turn the wheel 1/4 turn left, then a half-turn right when tires hit pavement.
(D) Send one last text because you’re hosed.

2. The MoDOT cell phone policy allows a driver to use a cell device when the wheels are moving…
(A) Never
(B) If the call is considered important
(C) In a bona-fide emergency when time is critical
(D) If you didn’t get a pay raise.

3. Employees should wear hearing protection when…
(A) Sound levels are above 80 decibels
(B) When the supervisor is talking
(C) When sound levels are above 85 decibels
(D) On the right of way.

4. Temporary Modified Duty (TMD) work will be…
(A) Granted upon written request from an employee’s doctor
(B) Limited to non-physically-demanding work
(C) The same for all requesting employees
(D) Based on the employees’ individual medical circumstances and the needs of MoDOT.

5. A single flagger may be used when…
(A) Traffic is under 500/day, sight distance is over 1000’ each way and activity area is under 500’
(B) Traffic is under 1000 ADT and work is on a lettered road
(C) A married flagger is not available
(D) Approved by a traffic engineer.

6. Employees finding used medical waste should:
(A) Ignore it
(B) Report it to the supervisor, who will contact police
(C) Ensure it is over two hours old to prevent disease transmission, then handle it using PPE
(D) Talk about how gross it is and put a picture on Facebook.

7. The following is/are true of poison ivy…
(A) The irritant oil is known as urushiol
(B) The irritant can persist for 5 years on undisturbed surfaces
(C) It can be contracted in the winter even if leaves are gone
(D) A rash may be prevented if the oil is washed off within about eight hours
(E) All of the above.

8. A pintle hitch is considered secured when…
(A) It has been visually inspected and found to be closed
(B) It has been manually checked and found to be snapped shut, even it that requires a rubber mallet (C) The trailer sits level
(D) The safety chains are crossed.


10. A circle check is NOT required on MoDOT vehicles when…
(A) They are always required
(B) If you back in so as to pull directly out
(C) Operating non-CDL vehicles
(D) If you are using a spotter
(E) The only creature in danger is a cat, not a dog.


ANSWERS
1. (B) Ease off both brake and gas, turn the wheel 1/8 turn left, then 1/4 right when tires hit pavement.
2. (C) In a bona-fide emergency when time is critical.
3. (C) When sound levels are above 85 decibels
4. (D) based on the employees’ individual medical circumstances and the needs of MoDOT.
5. (A) Traffic is under 500/day, sight distance is over 1000’ each way and activity area is under 500’
6. (B) Report it to the supervisor, who will contact police.
7. (E) All of the above.
8. (B) It has been manually checked and found to be snapped shut, even it that requires a rubber mallet
9. (D) All of the above
10. (A) They are always required


What’s your MoDOT Safety IQ?
All 10 right without looking: You are a true friend of safety. Dilly, dilly!
8-9 right without looking: You’ll probably make it into the playoffs, but then you’ll lose in the most heartbreaking fashion.
6-7 right without looking: Would you like a splint?
Less than 6 right without looking: You’re not a passenger…you’re hazardous cargo.