DMOI's August 2023 Newsletter: A Special Edition

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 08/10/2023 01:35 PM EDT

Special August 2023 Issue

The dog days of summer don't mean District government activities slow down, so #TeamDMOI is sharing this special issue to keep you up to date!

Summer Vision Zero Campaign Focuses on Impaired Driving

As part of Vision Zero DC efforts, the District’s Highway Safety Office is launching a public education campaign on the consequences of impaired driving and the need to plan for a sober ride.

Did you know that between 2017 and 2021:

There were 47 alcohol-impaired related fatalities, representing almost 30% of all traffic fatalities.
There were 562 alcohol and drug impaired-related injuries.
Most injuries occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Wards 5,6, 7, and 8.
Most incidents involved males between ages 26 and 40.

Over the next few weeks, there will be messages on streaming radio, mobile ads (with a focus on nightlife areas), digital billboards near Nats Park and Gallery Place, and social media.

MPD Continues Traffic Enforcement and Education

The Metropolitan Police Department is continuing its stepped up traffic enforcement and education this summer. Its most recent checkpoint was in the 1600 Block of Benning Road NE. Benning Road is a High-Injury Network Corridor in the District.

Such checkpoints are focused on traffic safety, promoting safe driving, providing education, traffic violation enforcement, along with taking suspected impaired drivers and unsafe drivers off the road.

Back to School Means New Kids Ride Free Cards!

Mayor Bowser announced the launch of the 2023-24 Kids Ride Free program, which will continue to ensure that students have free access to public transit while going to and from school and school-related activities.

Ahead of the first day of school, 2023-24 Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards will be sent to all DC Public Schools and DC public charter schools for distribution to students. Students new to the District will be eligible to receive their SmarTrip cards first, while those with 2022-23 cards will be able to use those cards through September 30. Students/families should contact the Kids Ride Free ID Administrator at their school to request cards.

Once students receive their cards, they are reminded to use them at all times within the Metro system in order to comply with Metro policies and help in tracking the program’s impact.

For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit kidsridefree.dc.gov.

DC DMV Launches New Driver License/ID Card

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles launched newly designed driver licenses and identification (ID) cards to help protect DC residents from identity theft. The new design features vibrant colors, cherry blossoms, the Wood Thrush bird and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.

Customers who are obtaining or renewing their driver license or ID card in-person will get the new credential. For customers with previous versions, their license or ID card will remain valid until expiration.

Learn more (rules vary depending on a customer's REAL ID status) here.

Mayor Bowser Kicked Off the Transformation of ‘Dave Thomas Circle’

On July 19, Mayor Bowser, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID), and community members kicked off the transformation of “Dave Thomas Circle.” This long-awaited $41 million infrastructure project will provide better safety for all who travel through the corridor and create new public spaces for residents and visitors.

Once completed in December 2024, the redesigned intersection will:

Realign and add two-way traffic to First Street NE;
Restore two-way traffic on Florida Avenue NE;
Include protected bicycle lanes; and
Include three new public park spaces.

Vote for New Name

The NoMa BID is inviting community members to vote on naming the new public spaces to reflect the Northeast DC community and the vibrant, historically-rich neighborhoods surrounding the intersection. The naming options are:

Douglass Crossing
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Plaza
People’s Plaza
Three Stars Plaza
Tiber Gateway

The voting deadline is Friday, August 25 at 11:59 p.m. Click on the button below for more details and to vote.

Vote Here

District Has Swift Response to July 29 Storm

Downbursts from a July 29 storm caused serious damage-- to include downed power lines and fallen trees--in many areas of the District.

Several DMOI agencies-- including DDOT, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking--helped with storm response under the leadership of the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

The agencies also joined Mayor Bowser on a July 31 community walk and press conference to update the public on storm recovery. The District's swift response drew praise from the Washington Post.

In addition to helping clear the roadways of debris, the agencies shared tips with the public to help them navigate the clean up process. For example, the District Tree Clean- Up graphic below explained the important distinction between public versus private space trees, as well as permit requirements for tree removal.

Other resources included:

Insurance claim tips: DISB provided tips on how to file property insurance claims.
Limb and branch collection: DPW offered do's and don'ts on the proper disposal of tree limbs and branches.