Giving Tuesday donations resulted in more than $12,800 for The ATSS Foundation, the largest amount ever received by the nonprofit on this global day of philanthropy.

The Georgia ATSSA Chapter (GA-ATSSA) got things rolling by offering $5,000 in matching funds. Then 31 individuals and businesses rose to the challenge, giving $7,851.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our supporters, including the Georgia Chapter of ATSSA by providing its $5,000 match,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “Yesterday’s record-breaking total demonstrates the heart of our members who back The Foundation and its efforts to spread awareness of the importance of work zone safety and to assist families whose lives are forever changed by a work zone tragedy.”

The ATSS Foundation is partnering with Work Zone Safe to teach teen drivers how to safely navigate roadway work zones.

The online program is currently only available to teens who live in Oklahoma but could be expanded to other states.

Learn about the program and how to bring it to your state during a free webinar, "No More Pamphlets! Modernizing Teen Driver Work Zone Safety," on Aug. 9, 2-3 p.m. ATSSA members and representatives from departments of transportation (DOTs) are encouraged to attend.

People like to make their mark in this world and often seek ways to leave a long-term legacy.

Those lofty goals can seem elusive but are easy to achieve through The ATSS Foundation Planned Giving program.

“By making The Foundation part of long-term financial planning, supporters can know they are making a difference beyond their lifetimes,” Foundation Director Lori Diaz said.

Planned giving can be set up in multiple ways in consultation with a financial advisor or estate planner.

A work zone tragedy shouldn’t mean the end of the dreams and aspirations for the worker’s children or spouse.

Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships, offered by The American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation, can help put the worker’s dependents on the road to a brilliant future.

Applications for the 2022-23 academic year are due by Feb. 15.

The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for post-high school education to the children or spouse of a roadway worker killed or permanently disabled in a work zone incident. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry from Ohio who died in 2002 as a result of an accident.

The pandemic kept countless people off the roads but that didn’t mean roadway workers were safer. In fact, reports from across the country showed many of the drivers out during that time took the opportunity to accelerate with some traveling in excess of 100 mph.

That put roadway workers, who were still on the job, at greater danger and some paid the ultimate price.

The American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation honors the men and women killed in roadway work zone incidents by including their names on the National Work Zone Memorial. The list of names is updated each year with the submissions  received by Dec. 1.

Horizon Signal Technologies Inc. raised $53,000 for The ATSS Foundation through the auction of two trailer-mounted portable traffic signals, setting a fundraising record.

Street Smart Rental, based in Lino Lakes, Minn., made the winning bid of $49,000, with Horizon Signal adding $1,000 to bring the bid total to an even $50,000. In addition, GP Roadway Solutions of Honolulu, Hawaii, which also participated in the auction, donated $3,000, bringing the grand total to $53,000, said Lori Diaz, director of The ATSS Foundation.

Horizon Signal donated 100% of the proceeds from the May auction to The Foundation, which provides education about work zone safety and supports the families of people killed or permanently disabled in work zone incidents.

The National Work Zone Memorial makes roadway safety personal by inscribing the names of people killed in work zone incidents. Each person left behind loved ones and co-workers who grieve the loss.

Members can help raise awareness of the toll of work zone incidents by hosting the tribute formally known as “The National Work Zone Memorial - Respect and Remembrance: Reflections of Life on the Road.”

The Foundation encourages ATSSA members, ATSSA chapters, state departments of transportation (DOTs) and industry leaders to host the Memorial at events. It is now available in two formats – a traveling Memorial and a virtual Memorial.

Making a difference is one of life’s great joys. Choosing now to participate in The ATSS Foundation Planned Giving program will touch lives for generations.

The ATSS Foundation Planned Giving program helps sustain The Foundation’s mission and provides a way to support the dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled on the job.

Planned giving, which is philanthropy that involves estate and financial planning, also offers benefits to the donor by reducing taxes.

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).

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.