Roadway crashes are a result of three primary contributing factors: human behavior, the roadway itself, and the vehicle. A combination of any or all of these factors may lead to a crash or increase the severity of a crash. However, research proves that the greatest potential to improve roadway safety is by a comprehensive approach that includes enforcement, education, emergency response, and engineering infrastructure safety countermeasures.

Engineering countermeasures are roadway and infrastructure improvements implemented directly to the roadway network. Countermeasures (also known as strategies) include rumble strips, highly reflective signs and pavement markings, roadside hardware devices (guardrail and cable median barrier), traffic control devices, and other geometric improvements. These strategies can actually mitigate against behavior-related crashes by alerting drivers of an upcoming change in the driving environment that requires action or by providing positive guidance to prevent a collision. Countermeasures can minimize the consequences of a driver action that causes a vehicle to depart the roadway or collide with another conflicting vehicle.

ATSSA's Temporary Traffic Control Committee (member login required) works to promote the significance of these temporary traffic control devices and how they impact the roadway safety industry. Committee members focus on federal advocacy, work with ATSSA chapters and members to develop and deliver government relations services, and provide general education on roadway safety infrastructure. The committee also fosters knowledge exchange at all ATSSA venues and works to increase the number of members and/or companies participating in ATSSA programs and events.