Educational Programs and Workshops

The educational program at the 2008 ATSSA Convention and Traffic Expo is the most powerful line-up ever offered. Educational sessions offer traffic safety professionals an unparalleled opportunity to explore the industry’s most critical issues, strengthen skill sets, exchange ideas, and learn new strategies. Plus, to maximize your registration dollars, these programs are again eligible for CEU credit!

These workshops are packed with information that will help you work smarter and maximize your bottom line. Choose from top-notch programs focusing on the issues you need to know. ATSSA’s convention faculty are professionals at the top of the industry. Learn from the best!

Sunday, February 10, 2008
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

• Rebuilding the Gulf
• The Final Rule on the Temporary Traffic
• The Implementation at the State Level of the Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility
• Other Potential Topics Include:
    • Work Zone Safety Grant Areas 1 and 3
    • Work Zone Safety Grant Grant Area 2
    • Work Zone Safety Grant Recipients: Wayne State, Laborers, IIT
• The Temporary Traffic Control Devices Rule
• The State Level of the Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility

Workshop Sessions

Monday, February 11, 2008
8:15 AM – 9:45 AM

1. Making Work Zones Better for the Disabled Pedestrian
Work zones are well known to be a challenge for both drivers and workers alike, but they hold a different set of challenges for the disabled pedestrian attempting to traverse a one. Recently the US Access board, the FHWA and ATSSA members demonstrated new and prototypical devices to evaluators from the disabled community at the Maryland DOT headquarters. Representatives from Texas Transportation Institute will illustrate their research findings on meeting the needs of the disabled in work zones.

2. Safe Procedures for the Installation of Lane Closures
A work zone lane closure is fraught with inherent risks, especially so on higher speed facilities. This workshop will demonstrate proven practices that may provide you with new tactics and techniques to increase safety for your highway crews.

3. Toward Zero Deaths and the SHSP Process
States have been implementing their Strategic Highway Safety Plans for a few years and it is important to know what hurdles have been overcome to see if we are actually reducing roadway injuries and fatalities. Minnesota and Utah are known for their aggressive approaches and you will hear what successes they are witnessing from this approach.

4. The Applicability of the MUTCD to Private Property
States have been implementing their Strategic Highway Safety Plans for a few years and it is important to know what hurdles have been overcome to see if we are actually reducing roadway injuries and fatalities. Minnesota and Utah are known for their aggressive approaches and you will hear what successes they are witnessing from this approach.

5. ITS Applications for Work Zone Traffic Management: Perspectives on Deployment for Public and Private Organizations
This session focuses on the use of ITS applications to mitigate potential traffic impacts caused by highway construction. The session will focus on key considerations when planning for a deployment and how to overcome common issues. Speakers will highlight challenges and lessons learned from recent deployment, and will outline things to consider for the public and private sector when designing ITS for work zones.

Monday, February 11, 2008
10:00 AM –11:30 AM

1. Overview of the 2007 Notice of Proposed Amendments to the MUTCD
LIVE WEBINAR!
This webinar will provide an overview of the significant changes proposed for the next edition of the MUTCD. The presentation will cover the Introduction and all parts of the MUTCD. The purpose of this webinar is to familiarize users of the MUTCD with proposed changes being considered for the 2009 Edition and generate interest and comments to the Federal Register docket.

2. Planting Seed Money for Workzone ITS Applications
Minnesota DOT has seen the return from investing in ITS systems in work zones. New approaches to funding these systems are showcased in real world applications.

3. The SHSP Process and How It Can Improve Work Zone Safety
The Strategic Highway Safety Plan process is here to stay. Learn how it can benefit work zone safety in your state, how you can get involved and what you need to know to make the most of this great new tool. The panel will share their experiences from creating their draft plan all the way through the final implementation.

4. Effective Strategies to Contain Worker Compensation Costs
ATSSA’s Board of Directors is excited to present Telecom Insurance Services Corporation’s insurance program for our members. TISC is a national leader in developing association specific programs and an authority on providing the insurance protection that contractors require. You’ll leave with a better understanding of indemnity, lost wages, and employers’ liability.

5. A Synthesis of Sign Research Findings
There is a lot of research that has been conducted over the last couple years and many participants at ATSSA don’t get a chance to attend Transportation Research Board (TRB) to hear about that research. Here is a great opportunity to understand what these findings mean to you.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

1. ITS Application in Homeland Security
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are moving from their traditional roles of reducing congestion to aiding our nation’s security. This workshop will explore how these “smart” devices are helping with the war on terrorism.

2. “Hogs and Highways” Motorcycle Safety
This session will look at increased fatality rates associated with motorcyclists and the roadway. Representatives from the FHWA will unveil new initiatives in hopes of reversing these trends.

3. LA DOTD – The Road to Safety
Attend this session for an overview on the many programs in place at the LA DOTD to improve the state’s roadways and safety record. You’ll hear about their work zone safety improvements and their new local roads safety program that focuses on low cost safety improvements. You’ll also hear how the LA DOTD is addressing their many traffic/highway safety issues through the strategic highway safety plan implementation. You won’t want to miss this informative session chock full of safety improvements that work!

4. Sign Retro – New National Standards
LIVE WEBINAR!
The professional traffic community knows that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has been working for years on developing a national standard for minimum maintained sign retroreflectivity. In this session, you will hear: 1) an explanation of the Final Rule, 2) an explanation of what public agencies will need to do to be in compliance, 3) clarification of some common misunderstandings about the rule, and 4) an explanation of the implementation timetable for each agency to be in compliance. You will also hear from a local agency representative that will explain how they are planning to manage their signs to meet the new regulations.

5. The Foundation, ATSSA Chapters and Transportation Agencies: How Can You Make the Connection?
Join this industry panel to learn how you can partner with your chapter and state or local transportation agency officials, and the ATSS Foundation. Through the Foundation’s public awareness programs, “Life Behind the Cones and Barrels Poster Contest – How Roadway Workers Keep America Moving,” “The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program,” and the National Work Zone Memorial – Respect and Remembrance: Reflections of Life on the Road,” partnerships have been formed to educate the public about the dangers of work zones, and how they can work together to help save lives on our nations roadways.

Download the Educational Programs and Workshops schedule.