At our organization, ensuring the safety and efficiency of our regional transportation system is a top priority. As part of this commitment, we host monthly Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Conversations, bringing together emergency responders, transportation professionals, and public safety officials.

These sessions are vital in fostering cooperation and enhancing real-time communication, helping to minimize the impacts of highway closures and improve both responder and motorist safety.

In these conversations, participants discuss best practices, share critical incident data, and collaborate on strategies to expedite response times and ensure safe scene management.

We invite you to watch this video that explains the purpose and need for these vital conversations. Together, we are working to keep our roadways safe and resilient.

As many of you might have heard, after many years of dedicated service, Domenic D'Andrea, our Director of Transportation, retired over the summer. Dom was an integral part of the organization, driving transportation initiatives and improvements throughout the region. His leadership and vision have had a lasting impact on the mobility and safety of our communities. We thank him for his invaluable contributions and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Additionally, Josh Spano transitioned to a new role as Deputy Director of the Westmoreland County Department of Planning and Development. Josh was a valuable member of our organization, contributing to many noteworthy projects during his time here. We congratulate Josh, and our team is looking forward to working with him in his new role. 

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that Evan Schoss was promoted to Manager of Transportation Operations and Safety and has taken over Josh’s responsibilities. Evan has been a critical member of our transportation team and will now lead efforts to enhance safety and operations across the region. His experience and passion for advancing innovative transportation solutions make him an excellent fit for this role, and we look forward to seeing his continued leadership in action!

As we officially usher in the autumn season, we're gearing up for more in-person and online discussions following a well-deserved summer break. Now, with cooler days ahead, it's time to return to in-person meetings before we transition to virtual sessions during the winter months.

In October, we have an important TIM conversation scheduled:

• 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Ross Township Fire Police, 235 Cemetery Ln, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Looking ahead to November, more TIM conversations are planned, so stay tuned for details.

TIM is all about working together to reduce the time and impact of highway closures. Through communication and cooperation, we promote the safety of responders and motorists alike. Whether you're a driver, responder, or part of the motoring public, these monthly conversations, training, and education sessions are for you. For more information or to get involved, contact Evan Schoss at eschoss@spcregion.org. 

Since students have returned to school and the weather is now changing, it’s essential that we all play a role in keeping our region’s children safe. Whether students walk or bike to school, it's important to stay mindful of transportation safety.

Walking to School Safety Tips

If your child is walking to school this year, here are some essential safety tips to help them stay safe on their route:

• Dress Appropriately: Make sure your child is dressed for the weather and has the right accessories, such as a hat or umbrella for rainy days. It is getting darker earlier, so make sure they have appropriate clothing, censors, or flashlights if they will be walking (or biking) to school.
• Use Sidewalks: Always walk on the sidewalk when available. If no sidewalk is present, walk on the edge of the roadway facing traffic to stay visible to drivers.
• Crosswalk Safety: Teach students to use crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Look Both Ways: Before crossing any street, always look left, right, and left again to ensure it's safe to cross.
• Stay Alert: Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways and parking lots, as they may not always see pedestrians.
• Limit Distractions: Encourage students to avoid using electronic devices while walking, so they can stay focused on their surroundings.

Tips for Drivers

Drivers play a crucial role in keeping students safe. Follow these guidelines to ensure safety around school buses and school zones:

• Yellow Lights: When you see yellow flashing lights on a school bus, it means the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and be ready to stop as children may be getting on or off.
• Red Lights: Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the bus has stopped. You must stop your vehicle at least 10 feet away from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing before proceeding.
• Fines and Penalties: Illegally passing a school bus can result in a $250 fine, a 60-day license suspension, and 5 points on your driving record.
• School Zones: Always obey posted speed limits in school zones, where penalties for speeding are increased.

For more detailed information, click here, where you'll find a helpful School Bus Safety Tip Sheet available.

The Citizens’ Voice: Texting to 911 now available in all Pennsylvania counties

CBS News Philadelphia: PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police warn drivers about Operation Yellow Jacket

WPXI-TV: PennDOT begins winter preparations; new laws, equipment to enhance safety

NBC10 Philadelphia: PennDOT, Pa. Turnpike getting ready for winter roads by adding green lights

Tribune-Review: Pittsburgh council approves automated red light cameras

We do the research so you don’t have to! Our organization is happy to provide you with an updated list of funding sources that could potentially benefit your organization. The content below represents the most accurate information based on our research, but always check the organization websites for deadlines and other important information updates.

PENN NATIONAL GAMING FOUNDATION (PNGF)

Due Date: Quarterly July 1, October 1, January 1, April 1

Funding is intended for community development, human services, education, cultural affairs and diversity, and health.

Foundation grants shall generally fall in the following categories:

• Community Development: Projects and programs related to community infrastructure improvements, public safety, economic development, housing, historic preservations, citizen involvement, civic leadership training, and other general community activities.

• Education: Programs which support pre-school, elementary, secondary education, post-secondary education, and special education programs.

• Human Services: Programs which address the needs of children and youth, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, especially in times of natural or man-made disaster.

• Cultural Affairs and Diversity: Programs and facilities designed to foster an understanding, appreciation, and celebration of different cultures and encourage participation among individuals of different cultures and belief systems.

• Health: Local health and medical-related programs.

•Veteran and Military Support: Programs that provide support and services to veterans, active members of the military and their families.

Applicants must have tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and must be physically located in the city, town or region where Penn National Gaming has a business interest. Click here to learn more.

ERIE INSURANCE COMPANY

Due Date: Under $10,000 can submit at any time. Amounts over $10,000 should be submitted by November 1, 2024 or January 24, 2025.

Erie believes in investing in its communities and in the lives of others in three key focus areas - Community Building, Safety, and Environmental Responsibility. Your agency can submit a funding request under $10,000 for consideration at any time. Click here to learn more.

FIREFIGHTERS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (FFCF)

Due Date: Ongoing

Grants to USA organizations and fire departments to respond to fires and disasters and offer assistance to victims. Individuals impacted by a fire or disaster may also apply for financial assistance. Organizations may request funding for services for victims, as well as educational programs. Fire departments may request funding for equipment, supplies, maintenance, repairs, educational programs, and aid to fire victims. Click here to learn more.

LT. JOSEPH P. DIBERNARDO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

Due Date: January 1, 2025

The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation provides grants to fire departments in need of personal safety PSS systems. If your department is in the U.S. or Canada and does not have means to this important safety equipment, please download and submit the 2024 grant application. Click here to learn more.

GIANT EAGLE

Due Date: See website for details

Annually, Giant Eagle, its team members and customers contribute to communities through a variety of means. These include sponsorships and direct donations, product support and volunteer commitment. Focus areas are hunger relief, health & wellness, education, and community enrichment. Click here to learn more.

GARY SINISE FOUNDATION

Due Date: See website for details

Through the Gary Sinise Foundation's First Responders Outreach, help is provided in obtaining critical funding for emergency relief, training, and essential equipment to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities. The Foundation also helps those who are severely wounded in the line of duty by building 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes, as well as home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to restore their mobility and independence. Click here to learn more.

FIREHOUSE SUBS

Due Date: See website for details

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Foundation offers funding in the areas of Lifesaving Equipment, Prevention Education, Scholarships/Continued Education, Disaster Relief, and Military Member Support. Click here to learn more.