ATSSA launches new sign retroreflectivity course

Leader in roadway safety infrastructure industry offers online training for sign inspectors

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (September 13, 2019) – The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) launched the Retroreflectivity for Sign Inspectors course, which is available in an online training format.

According to ATSSA Director of Training Jessica Scheyder, ATSSA offers the only training designed to meet the retroreflectivity inspection standard set forth in Section 2A.08 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD,) per the guidance document FHWA-SA-07-020.

“We are happy to announce our new retroreflectivity course is available for those seeking inspection certifications to ensure devices meet the visibility requirements laid out in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD),” Scheyder said. “By offering these new training options, we can help individuals who are seeking to round out their skill set to accomplish that goal.”

Utilizing ATSSA’s high-quality training in an online format, sign inspectors will learn the standards and best practices on retroreflectivity. They must complete a minimum of three out of six modules which feature training on general retroreflectivity, traffic sign retroreflectivity fundamentals, the calibration signs procedure, the comparison panels procedure, the consistent parameters procedure, and the measured sign retroreflectivity method.

Retroreflectivity increases the visibility of traffic control devices including traffic signs, marking tapes, barricades, delineators, and other work zone safety products. The standards and use for retroreflective devices for maintenance are spelled out in the MUTCD, a publication that establishes minimum guidelines for roadway safety infrastructure devices and provides guidance on how to use retroreflectivity to improve nighttime visibility.

ATSSA Vice President of Member Services Donna Clark said she hopes this new course will provide skills to our nation’s roadway workers that can result in safer roadways – and saving lives.

“Being able to properly see roadway and traffic control devices is crucial to keeping the motoring and non-motoring public safe—especially at night, and in and around work zones,” Clark said.

Leading with the philosophy that has been adopted nationwide, ‘Safer Roads Save Lives,’ ATSSA has provided training and education to more than 500,000 professionals in the roadway safety infrastructure industry since 2002.

ATSSA offers a wide range of existing course modules, which include flagger training, guardrail and barrier installation and maintenance, high friction surface treatment, roadway pavement marking and maintenance, pedestrian safety, and temporary traffic control.

The Association will continue to identify the best training to meet the needs of the industry, according to Clark.

“We look forward to providing this training to industry members, who in turn will be better equipped to increase visibility and save lives,” Clark said.

For more details about ATSSA training and the new sign retroreflectivity inspection course, call 800-272-8772 or visit ATSSA.com/Retroreflectivity.

ATSSA’s core purpose is to advance roadway safety. ATSSA represents the roadway safety industry with effective legislative advocacy and a far-reaching member partnership. The Association also leads the nation in work zone safety training and education for roadway workers across the country. ATSSA members accomplish the advancement of roadway safety through the design, manufacture, and installation of road safety and traffic control devices. Visit ATSSA.com to learn more.