The Federal Highway administration issued a Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices or Streets and Highways (MUTCD) official ruling this week pertaining to syntax on changeable message sign messaging.

Official Ruling No. 2(09)-174 provides an official interpretation for the question of “whether the MUTCD provides for displays on changeable message signs (CMS) that use unconventional wording typically not found on standard signing and how public input into the development of CMS messages may be used.”

The ruling notes that the devices should not contain advertising or messages unrelated to traffic control and then reviews the five principles for an effective traffic control device: fulfill a need; command attention; convey a clear, simple meaning; command respect from road users; and give adequate time for proper response.

"Channelizing Devices at Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings in Conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 Series) Signs." 

Official Ruling No. 3(09)-61 (I)  clarifies instructions for using channelizing devices such as tubular markers at mid-block crosswalk locations, according to an update from FHWA.

Pedestrians take the forefront in October with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) holding its first “Pedestrian Safety Month,” a national educational outreach to heighten awareness for motorists and pedestrians of all ages.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) held a Summit on Pedestrian Safety in July during which groups representing both pedestrian and bicyclist organizations took part.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety offers a “focused approach” program to target specific issues including pedestrian and bicyclist safety in jurisdictions across the nation. It offers examples of programs that have undertaken changes to target this issue.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recently issued information about new Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH)-compliant devices that have been granted federal aid eligibility letters.

The AASHTO communication from Director of Engineering Jim McDonnell was issued to provide an update on roadway safety devices now on the market and approved under federal guidelines.

Additional responses to questions submitted to The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regarding the testing of roadside safety hardware under the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) 2016 were released Monday. 

At its meeting of October 9 in St. Louis, Missouri, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Board of Directors endorsed a motion put forth by the Council of Highways and Streets (Chief Engineers) to develop the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) into a “performance specification.” 

National work zone statistics for fatalities demonstrate a critical need for training roadway safety workers. From 2016 to 2017, fatalities in work zones increased from 782 to 799 – a 2 percent increase, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) website.

In recent years, there has been an uptick in collaboration between entities within the roadway safety infrastructure and automotive industries as Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technologies progress and enter U.S. roadways. In a sweeping effort to ensure traffic control devices and roadway infrastructure effectively support the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) of CAVs, manufacturers and groups like the Automotive Safety Council, 3M, SAE International, and ATSSA are working together to uncover the gaps in information and needs to help these vehicles perform at an optimum level. 

The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) extends their congratulations to Nicole Nason for being confirmed today as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has adopted the four categories used in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)-350 into its state plan for Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware-16 implementation.