Innovation

Roadway Safety Innovation

Innovation in the roadway safety industry

Outsiders of the transportation infrastructure industry may look to autonomous vehicles as an icon of innovation on the roadways, but for state Department of Transportation (DOT) officials, manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors in the roadway safety and infrastructure industry, innovation is not a stationary achievement. It is much more than a mile marker and not as easily defined.

With different perspectives and priorities, industry stakeholders are finding that in addition to new technologies, innovation is heavily reliant on communication between entities. Industry leaders are working together to move forward and ATSSA is no different. The association works year-round to progress and develop creative solutions for all of its initiatives including highlighting innovative products and technologies, training, and ATSSA membership.


One innovative effort ATSSA is involved in is a joint initiative with the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee on Traffic Control Devices (AHB50). Both ATSSA and TRB sponsor and conduct an exciting design competition, the Traffic Control Device (TCD) Student Challenge, to promote innovation and stimulate ideas in the traffic control devices area with a goal to improve operations and safety.


Find recent updates on the latest innovations in the resource list below and be sure to check back for updates.



Exhibit at ATSSA's Annual Traffic Expo

NPRO

Do you have an innovative roadway safety product? Exhibitors can showcase their innovations in the New Products Rollout at the Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. Products released after Jan. 1 of this year qualify for entry. Twenty will be accepted for the New Product Listing and just 12 will be accepted for presentation to a panel of judges. The top three products will earn an Innovation Award that will be announced during the Convention.


Learn more about featuring your innovative product to key industry professionals. View videos of last year's entries and award winners.



Resources

Pam
/ Categories: Advocacy, ATSSA, Government, Infrastructure, Legislative Briefing & Fly-In, Policy, Transportation

ATSSA members advocating for roadway safety on Capitol Hill today

Legislative Briefing & Fly-In returns to nation’s capital after two virtual events

ATSSA members from across the country are meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill today, carrying their insights and priorities for roadway safety directly to lawmakers.

Sixty meetings are scheduled with members of the Senate, the House of Representatives and their legislative teams.

The goal is to fuel the future of roadway safety by carrying their message directly to the nation’s decision makers.

ATSSA’s two-day Legislative Briefing & Fly-In returned to Washington, D.C., this week after two years as a virtual event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 50 people representing 17 states and the District of Columbia registered to attend the event, which is a benefit of ATSSA membership.

On Monday, ATSSA members took part in a Legislative Briefing where they heard from several speakers including Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Emily Schweninger, senior policy advisor for Transportation, Health and Safety with the U.S. Department of Transportation,  and three Congressional staff members – Rebecca Higgins on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Majority Staff, Laruen Baker, on the Senate EPW Committee Minority Staff,  and Garrett Gee, House Transportation & Infrastructure Majority Staff.

ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner welcomed the members to D.C., thanking them for taking the time to invest in the future of roadway safety by gaining or sharpening their advocacy skills and then putting them into practice.

ATSSA Vice President of Engagement Nate Smith discussed roadway safety priorities including the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, which passed in November and provides significant funding for the industry. He also addressed the negatives of suspending gas taxes, which has happened in a handful of states but is not expected to gain traction at the federal level.

The ongoing effects of rising fuel prices, raw materials shortages and workforce challenges are all topics impacting the roadway safety infrastructure industry.

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Tags: roadway safety Stacy Tetschner Nate Smith Rep. Brendan Boyle USDOT IIJA raw materials shortage supply chain Legislative Briefing & Fly-In fuel prices
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