ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner expressed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in last week’s tragic work zone incident in Baltimore County, Md., in which six people were killed.

“ATSSA is deeply saddened by yet another tragedy that resulted in the loss of essential workers within our industry.  More important than being workers, these individuals had families and loved ones they did not return home to. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Sybil Lee Dimaggio, Carlos Orlando Villatoro Escobar, Jose Armando Escobar, Rolando Ruiz, Mahlon Simmons II and Mahlon Simmons III.”

The six workers were killed March 22 in Maryland while working to improve a roadway and ensure the safety of all road users. 

“This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of work zone safety and the risks faced by roadway construction workers every day. It is crucial that the industry and the driving public come together to prevent future tragedies like this one from occurring,” Tetschner said.

Inspired by the death of an Indiana traffic control flagger, Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) this week introduced a resolution to recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week, which takes place April 17-21.

Ben Fisher was struck and killed in 2019 while working for a traffic control company on Indiana State Road 13, according to a statement from Braun’s office. The statement also notes the increase in work zone fatalities nationwide since 2006 and the goal of increasing awareness of the hazards of work zones for drivers, workers and pedestrians, and the value of training.

“Far too many road workers and emergency servicemen are injured and killed each year by automobile drivers. Ensuring the safety of these essential men and women is a no-brainer, and I’m excited to join Sen. Blumenthal to introduce legislation that raises awareness about making America’s roads less hazardous for everyone,” Braun said in announcing the resolution.

What issues are front of mind as ATSSA members contemplate 2023? What variables are being used to gauge how things will go in the long-term? What opportunities are on the horizon that are building excitement?

ATSSA asked four members who are leaders in different segments of the roadway safety infrastructure industry for their views on those questions and more for the Winter issue of Roadway Safety magazine, which is online today. Read what they had to say and see how their views compare to your own.

The Winter issue also explores rural road safety solutions, the importance of keeping workers from being distracted on the job, where wider pavement markings are being utilized and much more.

ATSSA’s redesigned and updated Training & Products Catalog is now available online.

“The ATSSA Training & Products Catalog is a valuable tool for our members and anyone in the roadway safety industry in need of training to operate effectively in work zones and elsewhere,” said ATSSA Training Program Manager Jessica Scheyder. “The catalog also includes information on the benefits of ATSSA membership, the Corporate Training Program, certification and recertification, courses offered through grants and the Online Training Library.”

ATSSA will hold its first Roadway Safety Forum: East Coast in Richmond, Va., May 16-18.

Registration opens Tuesday (Jan. 17) afternoon for this pilot event, which features a mix of opportunities to target regional issues in the roadway safety industry. The three-day event includes general sessions, educational breakout sessions, networking opportunities and exhibits.

The Virginia, Carolinas and Chesapeake ATSSA Chapters are guiding the educational content of this conference, which addresses roadway safety infrastructure issues identified by chapter members. Anyone wishing to suggest a topic or who is interested in presenting should contact Director of Member Engagement Pamala Bouchard.