ATSSA’s Roadway Safety Program 
Latest Specifications for Emergency Management Signs
The Latest Specifications for Emergency Management Signs Available On-Line Following the tragic events that occurred on Sept. 11, state and local transportation agencies, law enforcement, the roadway safety industry and others have experienced an increased interest and demand for Emergency Management Signs. These signs are used to control operations of highways and designate civilian evacuation routes during emergency situations. Specifications for these signs are contained in the Standard Highway Signs Manual, last published in 1979. A new manual is anticipated in the near future from FHWA. In the interim, ATSSA has obtained and is providing - in advance - the exact specifications for the Emergency Management Signs to help state and local jurisdictions in their emergency planning efforts. The specifications are available now for immediate download. Additionally, a full printed copy, as well as a CD-ROM version of the Standard Highway Signs Manual will be available September 2002 through ATSSA’s Products Department. Click here for Tips for Developing a Household Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Event Planner (EP-101)
An event planner (EP-101) has been created by ATSSA to assist chapter members nationwide as they prepare for NWZAW and other community awareness activities. The document covers a wide variety of topics including advanced planning, effective partnerships, meetings, e-mail "groups," the importance of DOT public affairs, radio and television advertisements and basic media relations, including press releases and media advisories. To receive a copy of EP-101 after it is sent to ATSSA Chapters, e-mail James Baron with EP-101 in the subject line. EP-101 is also available to other associations and organizations.
Ten-Year National Program Plan and Research Agenda for Intelligent Transportation Systems in the United States
From an early stage, the design of this Ten-Year Plan included attention to technologies to detect, report and respond to incidents, ranging from traffic crashes to large-scale natural disasters. Many of the themes included in the Plan touch on the issue. One such theme is “Automatic Crash and Incident Detection, Notification and Response” including tending to the injured, evacuating anyone at risk and returning the system to normal as rapidly as possible. However, the events of September 11, 2001 have raised the consciousness of the transportation community, along with countless others, on the even greater need for prevention and detection, particularly in the instance of deliberate terrorist attacks.
T & I Dems Propose $50b Stimulus Package - Stress infrastructure improvements, security, jobs.
Temporary Rumble Strip Report - Special report by the New York State Department of Transportation, Transportation Research and Development Bureau.
The New York State Department of Transportation recently adopted seven work zone intrusion countermeasures to increase safety of the workers and driving public. Among these countermeasures adopted was the use of temporary rumble strips at work zones to alert drivers of an approaching work zone or a change in the driving pattern or highway condition. A literature search was performed, of past and ongoing research and use of temporary rumble strips in work zones, to verify that current specifications used by the Department are sufficient. In addition, several installations at contracted and maintenance work zones were examined to determine if our current specifications are appropriate or need refinement. Results of this study showed that the use of rumble strips at work zones is effective and should be continued. The Department’s specifications are within the accepted practices of other states that use rumble strips for this purpose. These specifications should be modified to allow for variable spacing of the strips within a set and for the use of other types of rumble strips besides the types currently allowed. Sound engineering judgement should be used before placing them to ensure they are necessary and effective. Even though the rumble strips that were used at the maintenance work zones do not meet Department standards, they are effective for the usual short duration of a maintenance operation. Minor modifications of these would improve their effectiveness without significantly increasing cost or installation time.
