“Do the math. Save a life.” New math program teaches safe driving and data science

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Idaho Department of Education, Idaho STEM Action Center, and Horizon Credit Union have teamed up on new math resources for Algebra 1 students. A coalition of math educators from across Idaho developed a series of lessons, called “Do the math. Save a life,” that use Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) crash data to teach Algebra and data analysis skills.

“So much data is thrown out in the world these days, and it’s important to empower students to be critical consumers of data. Being able to understand and interpret data and statistics is an essential skill for modern society,” explained Josie Derrick, Lead Math Innovator at One Stone and part of the team that created the lessons. “By providing students with opportunities to use math as a tool to think critically and engage in discussions where there may not be a “right” answer, we build skills for students to become more engaged citizens in the future.”

OHS collects data on all crashes that happen on Idaho roads and displays it on publicly available dashboards. The new math program uses that data to provide examples of math in real life and teaches students lessons like scatter plots, frequency tables, and analyzing claims.

“We are all more curious about what’s happening in our own communities,” said Erin Corwine, part of the team that created the lessons and K-8 Mathematics Instructional Specialist at the Developing Mathematical Thinking Institute, Idaho. “Because the dataset is specific to Idaho, students can interact with data points unique to their counties, and in some cases, even specific intersections, so there’s relevance in the learning.”

OHS data shows Idaho teens are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash than other age groups.

“Not only are these lessons teaching them math, but they are also teaching teens about the dangers of distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We want them to understand the risks to they can make safe choices once they start learning how to drive.”

Horizon Credit Union provided financial support for the creation of the math lessons.

The “Do the math. Save a life” program will be presented to math teachers from around the state at the Imagine the Places You’ll Go STEM Conference on August 3 and 4 in Boise. Part of the conference will include a field trip to see the mathematics that ITD employees use in their jobs. Boise Police will conduct an actual car crash demonstration and will be available to discuss the science behind crash investigations. Members of the media are welcome to observe the field trip on August 4 from 1-3:30 pm at the ITD Annex, 3293 W Jordan St, Boise, ID 83703.

Educators who want to review and use the new lessons can download materials from https://shift-idaho.org/do-the-math/.

Idaho’s commercial drivers can renew their licenses online starting July 1

BOISE—The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is expanding online services for Idaho’s commercial drivers. Beginning July 1, Idahoans will be able to renew a commercial driver’s license (CDL) online, an option already available for many non-CDL drivers.

“Idaho’s commercial drivers could be anywhere in the country when it is time to renew their license, so expanding online services to them just makes sense,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “Now they can renew from their phone and get back on the road.”

Starting July 1, CDL customers will be able to renew their licenses, if eligible, at DMV.idaho.gov. At this time, hazmat endorsements will not be available for online renewal due to testing requirements. The DMV is exploring hazmat testing solutions for the future.

Did you know that customers, including commercial drivers, have the option to receive DMV renewal notices through text or email? This is a convenient alternative to traditional mail delivery, especially for those who frequently travel or prefer digital communication. Customers can opt-in at DMV.idaho.gov.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. Over a dozen transactions can be completed online, from a change of address to registration renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

Now entering the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho Roads

This upcoming holiday weekend marks the beginning of a dangerous time for Idaho drivers- the 100 Deadliest Days. The 100 Deadliest Days are the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) want to caution drivers to be extra vigilant and careful as they head out for summer travel and recreation.

“We want everyone to have an amazing summer making great memories with their family and friends,” said OHS Program Manager Josephine Middleton, “So we are asking everyone to put down the distractions, drive the speed limit, wear a seatbelt and plan a sober ride home if you are drinking, so we can all make it home safely.”

A variety of factors converge to make this a dangerous time on Idaho roads. During the summer more people are out of school or work, taking vacations, recreating, and celebrating. These social factors lead to higher instances of distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving, making the roads more dangerous for everyone, even safe drivers who are doing everything right. We drive safe vehicles that come with technology and safety equipment as standard, yet the data shows that fatal and serious injury crashes increase during this time of year.

During the 100 Deadliest Days last year, there were 72 fatal crashes, and 80 people died. So far in 2023, 75* people have died in traffic crashes on Idaho roads, and we are on track to meet the fatality numbers for 2021 which was our worst year since 2005. The year-to-date total from the same time last year was 52 fatalities.
*Preliminary data

Idaho’s new driver’s license and ID card are here

BOISE— Idaho has a new driver’s license design. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched the new cards today. All new cards, renewals, and replacements will have the new design.

“The new license showcases some of Idaho’s best features,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “Idaho’s state bird, the mountain bluebird, is featured prominently. Idahoans will also notice the Sawtooth Mountains and the Idaho Statehouse.”

The Idaho DMV is releasing a new card to keep up with evolving technology and prevent counterfeiters. It is standard practice to update license designs and security features periodically. The last time Idaho changed its license was in 2016.

Licenses with the old design will remain valid until the expiration date that is printed on the card. You don’t need to do anything until it is time to renew your license. Then you can renew online, if eligible, at dmv.idaho.gov or at a local DMV. The fee you pay for a license will not change when the new design goes live.

The new design will appear not just on driver’s licenses but on other state-issued cards as well, including identification cards, instruction permits, and concealed weapons cards. For more information, check out the “Frequently Asked Questions” on our website.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. There are over a dozen transactions that can be completed online, everything from a change of address to registration and driver’s license renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

Idaho DMV removes convenience fees for online driver’s license renewals

BOISE—Idaho driver’s licenses and ID cards are now available at a reduced cost online. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) removed convenience fees for online driver’s license transactions and passed the savings on to customers.

“Nobody likes extra fees. At the DMV, we want to elevate our customer’s experience and make online transactions as quick and painless as possible,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “We are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs and save customers money.” Last October, the DMV removed convenience and county administrative fees for online vehicle registration renewals.

To see if you are eligible to renew your license online, visit DMV.idaho.gov. The DMV offers over a dozen online services, from a change of address to renewing a license or registration. So far in 2023, DMV customers have completed more than 263,000 transactions online. Online services are safe, secure, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

House Bill 9 expands online driver’s license renewal to commercial drivers

BOISE– The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will soon expand online license renewals, thanks to the passage of House Bill 9. Consistent with Governor Little’s Red Tape Reduction Act, the legislation allows people to renew an Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) online if eligible, an option already available for many non-CDL drivers.

“Now all licensed Idahoans can Skip the Trip to the DMV,” said DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “Online license renewals are quick and easy, so it just makes sense to extend that convenience to Idaho’s commercial drivers. This is another example of ITD enhancing the quality of life through transportation and supporting mobility and economic opportunity for Idahoans!”

This change will improve customer convenience by assisting the trucking industry in the efficient credentialing of its drivers.

“Folks who work in trucking know time is money, so any time we can save in the license renewal process is valuable to commercial drivers,” said DMV Commercial Vehicle Services Manager Craig Roberts.

The DMV will begin implementing online CDL renewals on July 1, 2023.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. There are over a dozen transactions that can be completed online, from change of address to registration renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

Email and text notifications from the Idaho DMV

BOISE– Sign up for e-notifications from The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)! The DMV now offers text and email renewal reminders. E-notifications will launch in May, but customers have the option to enroll today.

“At the DMV, we want to be flexible and frugal,” said DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “With e-notifications, customers can choose what works best for them and save on paper and postage in the process.” Additionally, customers who opt-in will get near real-time updates when there is a change in their driver status instead of waiting to get a notice in the mail.

To enroll, go online to dmvonline.itd.idaho.gov and choose your preferred notification method. Simply log on to the website with your most recent credential number, add your email or phone number, and select yes when prompted to opt-in to e-notifications. You can select email, text messages, or both. If you already provided your email or phone number to your account, you will still need to opt-in to confirm that you want electronic notifications. The DMV will send an e-notification enrollment invite to anyone whose e-mail address is already on file.

DMV customers will continue to receive mailed statements by default if they do not select an e-notification option. If you prefer mailed reminders over electronic communication, no action is needed at this time.

Email and text notifications from the DMV are a secure and convenient way to get renewal reminders. The DMV will only use your contact for official DMV business and will not share your information with anyone.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. There are over a dozen transactions that can be completed online, everything from change of address to registration and driver’s license renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

New Idaho 511 app and updated website are now live

BOISE – Upgrade how you navigate the state! The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has launched a new Idaho 511 App and updated the website. Starting today, January 23, 2023, drivers will need to download a new version to their mobile devices. The web address, 511.idaho.gov, and phone number, dial 511, will stay the same.

Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store to download the new Idaho 511 app now.

The old Idaho 511 app and the Idaho 511 Trucking app will not be supported after today, and users could miss crucial travel information if they don’t switch over. There is no dedicated trucking app with the new system. However, the new app has trucking information settings that users can turn on

The new Idaho 511 app has all the same tools to help you plan your trips, plus additional features. The new app displays special events that might impact travel, seven-day weather forecasts, highway oasis locations, and more. You can create an account, save custom routes and sign up for notifications when your routes are impacted. If you had an account with the previous 511 system, you will need to make a new account to save routes and set up notifications.

511 is a public service of the Idaho Transportation Department to help travelers access information about road conditions, traffic incidents, weather, and tourism information via the phone, on the web, or by smartphone app, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 511 provides continual updates about weather-related road conditions, road work, commercial vehicle restrictions, road closures, and other travel information.

Idaho Serves Military Veterans Through CDL Waiver

The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is working to bring more veterans and military members into the commercial trucking industry. Idaho offers two forms of commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing waivers for people with experience driving commercial vehicles in the military.

In the past, applicants needed to print and fill out the forms by hand. In late 2021, DMV team members Heather Perkins, John Barsness, and Caleb Forrey decided to transition to fillable forms to improve customer service. The fillable forms are easier on the applicant and faster to review because the fields are typed rather than handwritten.

Now in 2023, with streamlined forms, the DMV has launched new ways to spread the word about the program. The DMV is promoting military CDL waivers with social-media posts and a new poster that will be distributed to county DMV offices, ports of entry, and military and national guard bases.

Frommer doesn’t let hearing impairment stop her in DMV Call Center

The photo above shows Frommer lying with her dog, Zoe, after the first day at ITD. Without special devices, Morgan said it was “exhausting” to try to listen and understand each caller.

New ITD employee Morgan Frommer, who has significant hearing impairment in both ears, is thriving in DMV’s Call Center due to a special device that cancels out the background noise, around both her and the caller, allowing Morgan to focus clearly on the customer’s request.

Frommer lost her hearing due to an auto-immune disease in 2015 at the age of 24. Rendered fully deaf by the disease, she had cochlear implants put in both ears in 2016 and 2017.

Cochlear implants work by implanting electrodes in the ear that capture sounds, bypass skin cells in the ear, and feed tones through tiny implanted microphones to replicate the sounds. It requires weeks of re-learning the brain’s responses. The implants work differently than hearing aids, which simply amplify sound.

“The regular earphones that employees use did not work for me, but the Audiolink uses Bluetooth and streams directly into my implants,” Frommer explained. “I rely heavily on this device.”

Frommer met with IT Manager Pete Palacios, IT Infrastructure Engineer Michelle Cobler and some DMV Managers to discuss the problem and come up with a solution. The answer was a pair of noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone Morgan could speak into.

“The Audiolink does not shut off background noise on the other end since it is just a microphone-type device,” Morgan explained. “However, we were able to come up with an answer.”

In short, Frommer sets the speakers on her computer to the headphone setting so it streams through her Audiolink to hear calls, and then sets the microphone on her jabber and teams to the headset, so that customers/counties can hear her talk back and not hear any background noise. The caller’s response is fed into her cochlear implants, but her response is fed through the microphone of the specific headset.

This story hits close to home for Palacios, who’s own father needed cochlear implants as an adult due to hearing loss.

“It totally opened up another world for him when he got the implants,” Palacios said. “My dad had become a recluse and had basically holed up inside his house because the outside world was so difficult for someone with no hearing, but he started to go out and live again after he had the surgery.”

Frommer said her own experience was very similar.

“I had childhood cancer at age 5 and a very complicated brain tumor wrapped around my brain stem,” Morgan explained. “They were able to remove it, but I had extensive amounts of radiation in the treatment. The radiation brought several side effects, like balance problems, short stature, etc. I had a little bit of hearing loss in one ear, but it wasn’t until just after college that it really hit.”

The radiation caused significant hearing loss in the right ear, but Morgan had grown up with only about 50% hearing in that ear. She adjusted, though, and grew up that way. When the autoimmune disease came, it wiped out all of the hearing on the left side as well, so she had to rely on very diminished hearing in the right ear only. But due to the type of disease, it fluctuated, so some days her left-side hearing came back fully.

“Some days, I was fully deaf, and on other days my hearing would come back almost completely. But it was all brand new to me and I didn’t know what was going on. I wouldn’t go to work, and I wouldn’t get out of bed some days. It was extremely frustrating. I had my family, husband, and friends, but I knew no one with a cochlear implant. I didn’t even know what one was!”

Frommer says she cried A LOT because she couldn’t even have a simple conversation with her husband, Troy.

The implants changed everything.

“It brought my hearing back and I was instantly happy again,” Frommer said. “I think it took three months for my brain to know what volume to hear things at again – when you first get activated, everything sounds loud and flushing a toilet sounds like Niagara Falls. Over time, with listening exercises, your brain learns the correct pitches of things and re-learns volume.”

One year later, the exact same thing happened to her right ear so she got implanted on that side as well.

“I still have some medical issues that arise, but at least I have my hearing, so that’s honestly all I care about. I love listening to music again. I love listening to the rain again and just having conversations with friends. I could talk about it for hours. I love life!”

Frommer, who came to ITD as a Technical Records Specialist 1 in September, was working as an engineer and then in supply chain movement before coming to the department. She volunteered with the help organization Hearpeers as a mentor back in Ohio before moving to Idaho. HearPeers pairs cochlear implant candidates with volunteers like Morgan, who have undergone the procedure and can answer questions about the surgery, recovery, the journey back, and any subsequent lifestyle changes that may be required.

“I love it at ITD because everyone is extremely helpful and I am not treated like a deaf person here. A lot of companies unfortunately don’t know what to do with a hearing-impaired employee. Even though I am fully deaf, I want to still feel valued and feel like I can make contributions or advancements in my job and feel confident in myself. ITD does a wonderful job of that for me.”