At a regional event in Michigan two years ago, Rachel Snell met Dave Krahulec, chair of The ATSS Foundation Board, and asked if the Foundation had any materials she could use with her students.

She wanted to teach them about the importance of work zone safety, thinking that if they started at a young age, the message would be remembered when they got old enough for a driver’s license. They also could share it with their parents and encourage them to be alert when approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.

This week, Krahulec delivered 250 of the Foundation’s youth activity books to her when he traveled to Michigan for the national kickoff event for National Work Zone Awareness Week.

That's when the widow of a roadway worker found out her idea had inspired their creation.

Generous support from PPG/Ennis-Flint, 3M and Ver-Mac made a significant difference for The ATSS Foundation as it started 2021.

The Foundation was forced to cancel its two biggest fundraisers of the year due to COVID-19 restrictions so the assistance from the companies during ATSSA’s recent Convention & Traffic Expo makes a big impact, said Foundation Director Lori Diaz.

Traditionally, The Foundation holds its golf and sporting clays events in conjunction with the Convention but the Convention was forced to move to an online platform as a result of the pandemic, which also meant the two popular events weren’t held.

ATSSA member Ver-Mac is auctioning two roadway safety products with all money raised going to The ATSS Foundation.

Bidding is now open and the auction runs through Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. EST.

The items being auctioned are:

• A PCMS-1500 Pro Series G3 portable changeable message sign that can be used for highway construction, smart work zones and special events.
• A Smart Arrowboard -25 LED, which is a trailer-mounted arrow board that can be used for highway construction, utility work, smart work zones and by departments of transportation (DOTs).

The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation (The ATSS Foundation) offers academic scholarships to the spouses and children of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in work zone incidents to help them achieve their academic goals.

Applications for Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year are due by Feb. 15. Roadway Worker Memorial scholarships are competitive and awarded annually to help put family members on the road to a brilliant future.

Scholarships provide financial assistance up to $10,000 for post-secondary education. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible for an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, a member of the roadway safety industry who died in 2002.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (Dec. 7, 2020) – ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner announced a realignment of two of the Association’s vice presidents to better serve its members and most effectively address the multitude of vital issues facing the roadway safety infrastructure industry.

“This decision was made to address the many issues we face as an industry devoted to working toward zero deaths. I wanted to best utilize the talented people we have on our team,” Tetschner said.

Nate Smith’s role will expand to include Member Engagement as he continues leading ATSSA’s Government Relations strategy. Donna Clark becomes Vice President of Education and Technical Services.