Every roadway countermeasure makes a difference. Roundabouts, highly reflective signs, pavement markings and all traffic control and infrastructure devices are critical to enhancing safety on U.S. roadways. Countermeasures can mitigate against human behavior-related crashes and ultimately save lives.  

ATSSA's flagger training courses have been teaching individuals how to be safe and effective flaggers for nearly 50 years. These courses help trainees understand why proper flagger operations are essential, identify standard flagger control references, and learn standard flagger practices for many situations—both expected and unexpected.
While the association has taken great strides to provide and adequately train individuals across the country, there still are infrequencies when it comes to having consistent standards on a national scale.

On June 19, 2019 at the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD) Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Task Force Meeting, updates on signage and pavement marking uniformity were the main topics of discussion. With CAVs entering U.S. roadways every day, the need for uniformity is growing exponentially. Transformational technologies on CAVs raise new questions for groups like the NCUTCD, such as signage that appears on the exterior of CAVs. For instance, many autonomous vehicles (AVs) manufacturers have their own signage displays on the exterior of the vehicle that alert human drivers and pedestrians of the CAV’s intentions on the roadway.

Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) initiatives are basic plans that connect roadway users, the road, and work zones and allow for effective communication. They are vital to advancing roadway safety and countering common challenges such as congestion, traffic delays, and crashes.

A recent report from TRIP, titled “Rural Connections: Challenges and Opportunities in America’s Heartland,” echoes ATSSA’s message on the need for investment in roadway safety infrastructure on our rural roadways.

Last month, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Virginia Division Administrator Craig Feister spoke at ATSSA headquarters in Fredericksburg, Virginia about the main objectives of the administration and the agency’s areas of focus. 

As part of the American Traffic Safety Services Association’s (ATSSA) ongoing work as the leader in roadway safety infrastructure, the association is holding an Ohio “How To” Training and Education Workshop in Columbus, Ohio on April 10, 2019.

National Go Orange Day, designated to help raise work zone safety awareness, will celebrate its fourth year on Apr. 10. The event has become a staple of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), and is a time for individuals and organizations across the country to express their support for work zone safety by wearing orange.

The stories of work zone crash victims serve as important reminders that extra caution is necessary when work zones are present. Dennis Shenk, a work zone crash survivor with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) said after he finished mowing on a side road, he was struck and injured on the job.

The detection of pedestrians and bicyclists is an important focal point for individuals in the roadway safety infrastructure industry. Nationally public agencies, manufacturers, suppliers, and research institutions are working to address the increasing frequency of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries.