Drivers are distracted now more than ever. Whether it be falling asleep behind the wheel or texting while driving, drivers are not paying attention to the roads. So, it is important to invest in a proven safety tool, centerline rumble strips (CLRS). Though rumble strips save lives, they may reduce the life and performance of the centerline joint.
By applying J-Band®, Asphalt Material Inc.’s (AMI) void reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) product, and AMIGUARD™, Asphalt Material Inc.’s rapid penetrating emulsion (RPE), you can protect the joint, the pavement and the lives of workers and drivers alike.
At HC+M, we know that our work in the communities we serve expands beyond construction projects. We build relationships within our Heritage family and give back to organizations who serve our community and our very own team members. We are proud to share how Milestone Contractors, Asphalt Materials, Inc. and US Aggregates came together to support Reins of Life in Michigan City, Indiana.
Steve Rooney, sales representative at Bituminous Materials & Supply (BMS), received the 2023 Member of the Year Award through the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa (APAI).
Safety is an important part of everything we do. At Asphalt Materials, Inc. we understand that to succeed, we need to create a culture where everyone can share ideas and have a voice at every level of our company. Through communication, education and prevention, we accomplish our goal of getting our employees and associates home safely at the end of each day.
Todd Hillard, senior purchasing manager at AMI, is part of the seventh EPIC (Experiential Participatory Image-Driven Connective) leadership program class through the Asphalt Institute (AI). The program is designed to foster future leaders within AI and develop AI members for further industry leadership. Hillard’s class began the program in June and will end at the Asphalt Institute’s spring meeting in April 2024.
Road managers know that the longitudinal joint is the first part of the pavement to fail. As a road’s most permeable part, this joint is susceptible to the elements. Air and water work down through this gap causing the joint to deteriorate, crack and pothole. And when the longitudinal joint fails, the rest of the road soon follows—triggering the need for even more maintenance.
Pavement preservation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to extend the life of your roadways and make public funding go further. A well-implemented pavement preservation approach achieves maximum efficiency by increasing the average condition of your pavement while decreasing your average spending per square yard. Pavement preservation treatments are known for their ability to ensure quality with minimal effect on your budget and the environment.
Pavement preservation is the core of our AMISEAL™ product line, including micro-surfacing, chip seal, scrub seal, slurry seal, cape seal, and more.
Rapid penetrating emulsions (RPE) fill asphalt pavement voids and reduce air and water intrusion in pavements. Asphalt Materials Inc.’s (AMI) AMIGUARD™ RPE is specially formulated to penetrate pavement quickly and thoroughly. The penetrating nature of RPE means asphalt residue gets “in” the pavement rather than “on” the pavement, and the emulsion’s reduced surface tension allows it to seep into the pavement voids quickly. Proactively reducing pavement permeability extends pavement life.
The AMI team worked with the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) to support an RPE application on the Indianapolis International Airport’s (IND) Economy Parking Lot.
The holiday season is upon us, which means sitting for prolonged periods in the car. Whether it is traveling to visit loved ones or attend a festive event, safety behind the wheel should be a priority. During the holiday season, adverse weather conditions, heightened traffic, and various distractions can call for challenges on the road. Holiday events and celebrations should be a joyous time for friends and family, but these celebrations can quickly turn into a tragic event if we are not being mindful. AAA predicts there will be 55.4 million people traveling (including more than 49 million Americans driving) between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 23) and the Sunday after the holiday — making this the third-busiest Thanksgiving travel period in more than two decades. This season lets us make a commitment to road safety, the wellbeing of ourselves, our passengers, our hard-working road crews and fellow motorists.
Here are simple ways you can stay safe on the roads this holiday season:
Do not drink and drive. Do not drive when you are impaired, and do not allow your family members or friends to drive while impaired either. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a ride share service to protect yourself and others on the road.
Inspect your vehicle. Take the time to ensure all of your lights are working and all fluid levels are normal. Check your tires, tire pressure, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and tag lights.
Map out the route. Plan your route ahead of time and be aware of how projected weather conditions may affect your travels.
Click it or ticket! Ensure you and your passengers are properly restrained in seat belts and car safety seats.
Avoid fatigue. Ensure you receive a good night’s rest before driving, take breaks. If you begin to feel tired, share the driving or pull off the road to a rest area.
Have an emergency plan. It is important to have a cell phone and charger with you in case of emergency situations. Keep emergency roadside assistance information on hand.
Do not text and drive. Keeping your full attention on the road is important to ensure your and other motorists’ safety. If you need to use your cellphone, utilize a hands-free device.
Keep a safe driving distance. A safe driving distance allows for ample time to react to traffic around you. If someone is tailgating you, allow them to pass and do not try to compete with impatient, aggressive drivers.
Watch your speed. Do not go over the speed limit (especially in work zones) and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your location.
Remain calm. If you begin to feel stressed or irritable, take deep breaths and maintain your patience. If you drive with road rage, it compromises the safety of yourself and fellow drivers.
Happy holidays, and safe travels from the AMI team!
United for Service is an opportunity for you to volunteer side-by-side with fellow Heritage family from November 13-17. This experience is all about building a sense of community among the Heritage family while also giving back in a meaningful way to the communities we live and work in.
History of United for Service
In 2014, the Fehsenfeld Family Council decided it was time to refocus their family retreats, family members wanted to become more involved surrounding their gatherings and wanted a way to connect and give back to the community. Together they decided learning and giving back as a group was the best way to move forward. The family established two models for their retreats, United for Learning and United for Service. The goal is to gather and learn something new and take on a community service project.
The family chose November 17 for its day of service because November 17 holds a special day for The Heritage Group – it is the day that the company was founded. In 1930, during the Great Depression, John E. Fehsenfeld met a need in his community, delivering home heating oil. From this beginning, the family business has grown to more than 30 operating companies, 5,000 employees, in 47 states and four countries.
Together through United for Service, we can all help meet another need – putting food on families’ tables. Because of our size and footprint, we have the power to make an impact within our communities.
Why Focus on Food Scarcity?
The need for food is key to our existence, it is a part of our culture. But for some, putting food on the table is a struggle.
According to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the U.S. are food insecure. Every community is home to families who face hunger, and this is even more true in rural communities where there are limited job opportunities and limited transportation options to reach grocery stores or pantries.
Thankfully, there are many community-based organizations that help address this issue. You can support those causes by volunteering with food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal providers during United for Service Week.
How to Participate
Sign up with your team
In our largest markets, members of the Social Impact Task Force are working to create impactful volunteer experiences to fit each location’s employee base, schedule, and space. There might be an on-site event as well as options that get you offsite to see what the fight against hunger looks like in the community. Whatever time you can give to this cause is appreciated. Check the volunteer sign-up for opportunities in your area.
To sign up for a volunteer shift, click here. You can search for volunteer opportunities within your area by typing in your location in the search criteria box.
Other locations/remote employees
The opportunities to amplify our impact are endless. Use our Remote Volunteer Guide to plan your own experience in your community or set up a food drive or a snack bag packing event.
Have a question to ask or a story/photo to share? Be sure to contact [email protected].
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