ITD sets Facebook record with avalanche pictures

A pair of avalanche pictures from a recent closure on Idaho 21 was viewed nearly 13,000 times, setting a new record for the four-year-old ITD Facebook page used as one of many tools to reach the public.

The pictures below show one of 21 slides to reach the roadway during the recent closure.

"This is an important part of our overall effort to get information to the customer, and to make them aware of the many positive programs and safety campaigns we offer," explained Reed Hollinshead, ITD Facebook page manager.

The department uses Facebook and Twitter, along with a YouTube Channel and traditional outreach methods like news releases, newsletters, public meetings, presentations to businesses and homeowner's groups, and routine contact with citizens to keep interested stakeholders apprised of roadwork and conditions impacting their travel.

The previous record of 3,900 views was set last year for a post and picture in April regarding an osprey relocation in Eastern Idaho.

ITD joined the world of social media in the summer and early fall of 2009 with the launch of the department's Facebook and Twitter accounts. Since then, there have been nearly 4,600 Twitter and nearly 4,100 Facebook posts, along with hundreds of "likes," "shares," "re-tweets," and other indications that other people are indeed engaged with ITD's site.

Visit ITD's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IdahoTransportationDepartment and the department Twitter feed at twitter.com/IdahoITD


Published 2-14-14