FREDERICKSBURG, Va. Dec. 14, 2022 –The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation awarded scholarships to 14 students for the 2022-23 academic year, with the majority of students being multi-year recipients. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program started in 2002 to provide financial assistance for post-high school education to dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in roadway work zones. The program is competitive and provides scholarships valued up to $10,000 per student each year. The program has awarded more than $400,000 since its inception. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible for an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, a member of the roadway safety industry who died in 2002. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. Dec. 14, 2022 –The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation awarded scholarships to 14 students for the 2022-23 academic year, with the majority of students being multi-year recipients. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program started in 2002 to provide financial assistance for post-high school education to dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in roadway work zones. The program is competitive and provides scholarships valued up to $10,000 per student each year. The program has awarded more than $400,000 since its inception. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible for an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, a member of the roadway safety industry who died in 2002. Joann Jones of Bluffton, Ind., and Sydney Parsons of Kelso, Wash., received the Chuck Bailey Memorial Scholarship. Joann, whose father was killed in a work zone incident in 2009, attends Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland where she is studying to become an astrophysicist. While pursuing her studies, she has helped at track and basketball camps for children, helped feed the homeless and works at an animal shelter. This is her second year as an academic scholarship recipient. Sydney begins college this year and plans to attend Central Washington University to become a paramedic. She was inspired to pursue that field by her father’s debilitating injury in 2016. She has been active with Red Cross blood drives and volunteering with Lil Titans Outdoors where she works with youth. She also is a battalion chief in a fire science program. “One of the great joys of serving on The ATSS Foundation Board is getting the opportunity to assist aspiring college students as they navigate a path forward,” said Board Chair Kevin Shelton. “Each of the students receiving a scholarship has worked hard at their studies despite the tragedy they experienced in their young lives. I wish them the best as they seek to grow and learn and pursue their passions.” The Foundation Board interviews and carefully considers each application to ensure it responsibly stewards the resources entrusted to it. “The scholarships are possible because of the many individuals, companies and organizations that support The Foundation throughout the year and who believe in its mission to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “It’s a privilege to be able to support these students.” This year’s group of recipients includes two sets of siblings and represents 10 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. Aaron Baker – Le Center, Minn., Winona State University James Beard – Highland, Ill., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville first-time recipient Tessa Beard – Highland, Ill., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Daniel Hart – Ridge, N.Y., State University of New York Cortland Emily Hause – Eaton Rapids, Mich., Michigan State University Katie Hutt – Cleveland, Tenn., University of Tennessee Knoxville Joann Jones – Bluffton, Ind., Case Western Reserve University Mariela Lara – Ojai, Calif., California State University Channel Island Rylee O’Brien – Frederic, Wisc., Minnesota State University Mankato first-time recipient Sydney Parsons – Kelso, Wash., Central Washington University first-time recipient Alex Perez – Indianapolis, Ind., Indiana University first-time recipient Kaitlyn Pirelli – Chicago, Ill., Loyola University Chicago Megan Pirelli – Chicago, Ill., Chamberlain University College of Nursing Maycie Walker – Dry Ridge, Ky., University of Pikeville The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of ATSSA. It was formed in 1988 with the core purpose to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs.
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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.” 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 to bring the total to $12,851. “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.” Giving Tuesday is observed the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. and is a day to “unleash the power of radical generosity around the world.” It has become a day for nonprofits to benefit from the generosity of individuals and groups. The Foundation works year-round to support families forever changed by work zone incidents. Here are some of the ways it helped in the first 11 months of 2022: 14 Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships and two Chuck Bailey Memorial Scholarships were awarded for the 2022-23 academic year to the dependents of men and women killed or permanently disabled in work zone incidents. 10 names were added to the National Work Zone Memorial. The National Work Zone Memorial visited 13 locations, reaching more than 8,650 people. The virtual National Work Zone Memorial was displayed at 17 events, reaching more than 7,155 people. Two Marty Weed Engineering Scholarships were awarded to newer public agency engineers from the Tennessee Department of Transportation TDOT and the Utah Department of Transportation UDOT to attend the 2022 Convention & Traffic Expo. The children’s work zone educational activity book reached more than 5,000 children as a result of 65 unique downloads reaching more than 4,140 children and the purchase of 889 copies. The Work Zone Safe Teen Driver program educated nearly 2,300 teens, ages 15-19, about work zone safety. Experience Camps Travel Scholarships were offered to children grieving a parent, sibling or caregiver lost to a roadway work zone incident.
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ATSSA’s Public Agency and Marty Weed Engineering scholarships offer department of transportation DOT officials the opportunity to participate in the largest gathering of roadway safety infrastructure officials in North America. There they can see the latest innovations in roadway safety, interact with companies that produce them and engage with industry experts on everything from pavement marking and traffic control to technology designed to protect roadway workers and interact with connected and automated vehicles. ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo takes place in Phoenix, Feb. 17-21 and will include the New Products Rollout, Innovation Awards that go to the top products as judged by DOT officials, and the ever-popular Circle of Innovation where transportation officials from across the country and around the globe hear about the latest topics. Scholarship applications are due by Sept. 19. Applicants will be notified by Oct. 12. ATSSA’s Public Agency and Marty Weed Engineering scholarships offer department of transportation DOT officials the opportunity to participate in the largest gathering of roadway safety infrastructure officials in North America. There they can see the latest innovations in roadway safety, interact with companies that produce them and engage with industry experts on everything from pavement marking and traffic control to technology designed to protect roadway workers and interact with connected and automated vehicles. ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo takes place in Phoenix, Feb. 17-21 and will include the New Products Rollout, Innovation Awards that go to the top products as judged by DOT officials, and the ever-popular Circle of Innovation where transportation officials from across the country and around the globe hear about the latest topics. “We value the partnerships we have with departments of transportation and want to support them in providing this valuable opportunity to attend our Convention & Traffic Expo,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner said. “We urge transportation officials from local, state and federal agencies to apply for the scholarships that help them take advantage of this great event.” ATSSA is offering more than 100 scholarships to public agency officials to attend the 2023 Convention & Traffic Expo. Public agency officials at city, county, state and federal agencies are encouraged to apply for a scholarship, which provides: Complimentary registration to the 2023 Convention & Traffic Expo Reimbursement of travel expenses up to $1,500, including coach airfare, meals, and lodging at one of the hotels in ATSSA's room block. Note: Hotel reimbursements are not available for hotels not included in the room block. Two scholarships are available – the Marty Weed Engineering Scholarship and the Public Agency Scholarship. The Marty Weed Engineering Scholarship is named for a longstanding member of ATSSA who spent 33 years with the Washington State Department of Transportation engaged in roadway safety infrastructure. This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance for new engineers employed by a public agency who specialize in work zone safety and temporary traffic control. Individuals meeting all of the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Marty Weed Engineering Scholarship: Employed by a public agency city, county, state or federal as an engineer or P.E. at the time the application is submitted and Have a maximum of seven years of work experience and Specialize or have a strong interest in work zone safety and temporary traffic control. Everyone employed by a city, county, state or federal agency is encouraged to apply for a Public Agency Scholarship. Preference is given based on the following criteria, which are not listed in rank order: Active Public Agency membership either Firm or Individual Previous recipient of an ATSSA scholarship "Key decision makers" for the agency Public agency officials employed in traffic safety/safety/work zones Public agency officials committed to attending all four days of ATSSA’s Convention & Traffic Expo, Feb. 18-21. Scholarship recipients are required to participate in all Convention activities beginning at 8 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 19 through 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21. Those who are members of ATSSA technical committees are encouraged to participate Saturday, Feb. 18. ATSS Foundation events are held on Friday, Feb. 17. Scholarship applications are due by Sept. 19. Applicants will be notified by Oct. 12. Anyone who qualifies for but is not awarded one of the two Marty Weed Engineering Scholarships will automatically be considered for a Public Agency Scholarship.
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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. 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. ET. ATSSA members and representatives from departments of transportation DOTs are encouraged to attend. Webinar participants include: Lori Diaz, Director, The ATSS Foundation moderator Tom Robins, founder, Work Zone Safe Haley Norman, Chapter President, Oklahoma ATSSA Chapter Paul Harris, Director, Oklahoma Highway Safety Office Lauren Parrish, P.E., State Traffic Engineer, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Marty Farris, Traffic Engineering Division, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Thanks to a grant from the PPG Foundation of Pittsburgh, The ATSS Foundation worked with Work Zone Safe to develop the free interactive program that teaches teen drivers the importance of work zone safety including the importance of safe driving habits, the results of speeding and inattentiveness, and how to read work zone signage, operate within queuing and navigate night work zones. It also covers how to understand work zone devices, pavement markings and mobile operations. mobile operations. In the first year of its adoption in Oklahoma, more than 12,000 Oklahoma teens representing more than 250 high schools took part in the work zone safety program. Register now for the free webinar to help teach teen drivers the importance of work zone safety.
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The American Traffic Safety Services ATSS Foundation is partnering with Work Zone Safe to educate teen drivers on how to safely navigate work zones. Thanks to a grant from the PPG Foundation of Pittsburgh, The ATSS Foundation worked with Work Zone Safe to develop a free interactive training program that teaches teen drivers the importance of work zone safety including how to navigate a work zone. The curriculum addresses the importance of safe driving habits, the results of speeding and inattentiveness, and how to read work zone signage, operate within queuing and navigate night work zones. It also covers how to understand work zone devices, pavement markings and mobile operations. mobile operations. “We are excited to be addressing this gap in driver education for teens,” ATSS Foundation Director Lori Diaz said. “The information in this curriculum is critical in helping the next generation of drivers protect themselves and roadway workers as we continue working toward zero deaths on the nation’s roads and highways. We hope departments of transportation in states across the country will be interested in making the curriculum available in their jurisdictions.” The American Traffic Safety Services ATSS Foundation is partnering with Work Zone Safe to educate teen drivers on how to safely navigate work zones. Thanks to a grant from the PPG Foundation of Pittsburgh, The ATSS Foundation worked with Work Zone Safe to develop a free interactive training program that teaches teen drivers the importance of work zone safety including how to navigate a work zone. The curriculum addresses the importance of safe driving habits, the results of speeding and inattentiveness, and how to read work zone signage, operate within queuing and navigate night work zones. It also covers how to understand work zone devices, pavement markings and mobile operations. mobile operations. The work zone safety online course is free and currently available only for Oklahoma teens where completion of the program could qualify the individual for a reduced rate on the family’s insurance policy. “We are excited to be addressing this gap in driver education for teens,” ATSS Foundation Director Lori Diaz said. “The information in this curriculum is critical in helping the next generation of drivers protect themselves and roadway workers as we continue working toward zero deaths on the nation’s roads and highways. We hope departments of transportation in states across the country will be interested in making the curriculum available in their jurisdictions.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens and that crash risks are highest in the first months a teen is licensed. In addition, most people killed in work zone traffic crashes are drivers and their passengers. In 2020, 857 people were killed in work zone crashes, 740 of whom were not roadway workers, according to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse. Teens who complete the Work Zone Safe course are entered into a monthly drawing for a $500 educational scholarship. The ATSS Foundation is providing funding to award a scholarship each month. The course is open to teens aged 15-19. Every Oklahoma teen who completes the program also receives a one-hour jump pass for Sky Zone in Edmond, Okla. Any state or state department of transportation DOT interested in offering the program can contact Diaz lori.diaz@atssa.com for details on how to adapt the program. The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of the American Traffic Safety Services Association. It was formed in 1988 with the core purpose to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs.
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Join roadway safety professionals for ATSSA’s Midyear Meeting to help shape policies and initiatives for the roadway safety infrastructure industry for the coming year. Network with more than 350 industry professionals from across the country who are gathering in Providence, R.I., to further innovation and infrastructure for roadway safety, Aug. 23-26. The meeting is tailored to national committee members and friends to learn, network and build leadership skills. “These meetings are critical to the work of our Association,” said ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner. “We lay the groundwork for many efforts and innovations for advancing roadway safety at our committee and council meetings. We were pleased by last year’s record-breaking attendance of 381 and hope to exceed that this year as we work to develop roadway safety plans that utilize the funding approved in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.” Join roadway safety professionals for ATSSA’s Midyear Meeting to help shape policies and initiatives for the roadway safety infrastructure industry for the coming year. Network with more than 350 industry professionals from across the country who are gathering in Providence, R.I., to further innovation and infrastructure for roadway safety, Aug. 23-26. The meeting will be held at the Omni Providence Hotel and is tailored to national committee members and friends to learn, network and build leadership skills. “These meetings are critical to the work of our Association,” said ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner. “We lay the groundwork for many efforts and innovations for advancing roadway safety at our committee and council meetings. We were pleased by last year’s record-breaking attendance of 381 and hope to exceed that this year as we work to develop roadway safety plans that utilize the funding approved in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.” Registration is free for ATSSA committee and council members but is required so register now. Public agency and department of transportation DOT employees who are ATSSA members also register for free and should request the discount code from meetings@atssa.com if they are not also a committee or council member. Reserve hotel rooms within the ATSSA room block online or by calling 401-598-8000 by Aug. 5. The Midyear Meeting includes an ATSS Foundation Fundraiser on Aug. 24 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The fundraiser is hosted by the New England ATSSA Chapter with New England Highway Technologies as title sponsor. Purchase fundraiser tickets during registration $60 advance, $75 onsite and enjoy a New England-style dinner, games, prize drawings and entertainment from Stone Shakers, the group that won ATSSA’s Battle of the Bands contest in 2021. “The ATSS Foundation appreciates the work of the New England ATSSA Chapter in organizing this fundraiser, which supports Foundation programs including the Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship, Chuck Bailey Scholarship, the National Work Zone Memorial and our youth activity book,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “The Squantum Association facility is beautiful, historic and overlooks Narragansett Bay, providing a wonderful setting for the evening’s activities.” The full schedule of Midyear Meeting events is below. Registration and hotel booking are now available. Tuesday, Aug. 23 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Member Engagement Committee 1:30-5:30 p.m. – Chapter Presidents’ Council 6-7 p.m. – Chapter Presidents Council Reception by invitation only Wednesday, Aug. 24 8:30-9:30 a.m. – General Session 9:45 a.m.-noon – Work Zone ITS Subcommittee 9:45 a.m.-noon – Women in Roadway Safety Council 9:45 a.m.-noon – Strategic Highway Safety Plan Council 1-5 p.m. – High Friction Surface Treatment Council 1-5 p.m. – Innovation Council 5:30-6:30 p.m. – ATSSA Reception 6:30-9:30 p.m. – ATSS Foundation Event Thursday, Aug. 25 8 a.m. to noon – Guardrail Committee 8 a.m. to noon – Pavement Marking Committee 8 a.m. to noon – Sign Committee 1-5 p.m. – Temporary Traffic Control Committee 1-5 p.m. – Traffic Signals Committee 1-5 p.m. – Safety & Public Awareness Committee 6-7 p.m. – PAC Reception Friday, Aug. 26 8-9 a.m. – PAC Oversight Committee 9 a.m.-noon – Roadway Worker Protection Council 9 a.m.-noon – Government Relations Committee
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The ATSS Foundation's annual Fun Run saw increased participation for its third straight year. The Foundation Fun Run started in 2020 as part of ATSSA’s 50th anniversary celebration in New Orleans during ATSSA’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. That year’s event covered 2 miles and took place on a downtown path overlooking the Mississippi River. The event has evolved since then as a great group activity for ATSSA member companies, families or friends, or for individuals, all of whom can take part anywhere across the country – or the world. Participants have the option of a 5K Fun Run or the 33-mile Roadway Safety Challenge, both of which can be run or walked. The ATSS Foundation's annual Fun Run saw increased participation for its third straight year. The Foundation Fun Run started in 2020 as part of ATSSA’s 50th anniversary celebration in New Orleans during ATSSA’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. That year’s event covered 2 miles and took place on a downtown path overlooking the Mississippi River. The event has evolved since then as a great group activity for ATSSA member companies, families or friends, or for individuals, all of whom can take part anywhere across the country – or the world. Participants have the option of a 5K Fun Run or the 33-mile Roadway Safety Challenge, both of which can be run or walked. Registrants for this year’s Third Annual Foundation Fun Run numbered 144, up from 124 in 2021. The inaugural Fun Run included 36 participants. Some of this year’s runners provided photos and data from their runs. The 2022 event was held May 14-29, with runners and walkers able to complete their event within that timeframe. People choosing the 33-mile distance can complete it over multiple days. This virtual event benefits The Foundation’s charitable programs such as academic scholarships, the National Work Zone Memorial and youth programs. “This Fun Run offers a great opportunity for our members to engage in team building and a healthy activity while supporting The ATSS Foundation. To me, that’s definitely a win-win,” Foundation Director Lori Diaz said. “I enjoy participating with co-workers at ATSSA headquarters and look forward to next year’s event.”
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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. 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. The ATSS Foundation’s core purpose is to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. One of its many programs is the Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship, which helps the children and spouses of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in a work zone incident pursue their dreams. Planned giving can be set up in multiple ways in consultation with a financial advisor or estate planner. Options include making a bequest in a will—such as specifying a dollar amount for The ATSS Foundation, designating a percentage of the estate or giving the remaining value once bequests to loved ones have been met. Another option is listing The ATSS Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance policy or Individual Retirement Account IRA. People also can simply donate to The ATSS Foundation—either in general or with the funds specified for a specific program. Establishing a financial investment in The Foundation through planned giving provides a way to: Provide academic scholarships for loved ones of fallen or permanently disabled roadway workers until work zone deaths are eliminated. Honor those who died in work zones, including work zone workers, motorists, pedestrians, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and children through supporting the National Work Zone Memorial. Give children the opportunity to work through the grief of losing a loved one alongside other children dealing with a similar situation through Experience Camps Travel Scholarships. Support the education of new public agency engineers who specialize in work zone safety and temporary traffic control through the Marty Weed Engineering Scholarship. Educate the next generation of drivers through youth programs like the work zone educational activity book and a new teen driver education course. The Foundation Legacy Circle was established to recognize individuals who make a commitment to the Foundation through their estate planning. Individuals are urged to notify The Foundation of their long-term plans by completing the gift intention form even if they prefer to not be recognized publicly. “We are thankful for the generosity of the individuals who have already chosen to become Legacy Circle members and have assured their lives will have a lasting impact. We welcome others with questions to contact us,” Diaz said. “The best way to establish a gift, however, is in consultation with a financial planner.” For more information, foundation@atssa.com.
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. March 31, 2022 – The transportation industry is taking increasing steps to improve the timeliness of information about active work zones but even before those measures are available nationwide, work zone warnings are important for everyone to heed to get home safely. This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11-15 with the theme: “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.” National Work Zone Awareness Week NWZAW, in its 22nd year, is a national public awareness campaign held annually at the start of the spring construction season. It spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety. UPDATE: The livestream of the national kickoff event can be viewed here at 1:30 p.m. ET on April 12. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. March 31, 2022 – The transportation industry is taking increasing steps to improve the timeliness of information about active work zones but even before those measures are available nationwide, work zone warnings are important for everyone to heed to get home safely. This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11-15 with the theme: “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.” National Work Zone Awareness Week NWZAW, in its 22nd year, is a national public awareness campaign held annually at the start of the spring construction season. It spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety. Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show the vast majority of people killed in work zones are motorists, passengers and pedestrians. The most recent statistics show there were 762 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 842 deaths in 2019. Of those killed, 135 were roadway workers. “National Work Zone Awareness Week was established with roadway workers in mind, but the statistics make it abundantly clear that everyone is at risk in work zones,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner said. “The goal of this week is for motorists to slow when approaching and passing through roadway work zones so everyone makes it home safely.” Statistics for 2019 estimate there were 115,000 work zone crashes—27,000 of which were injury-involved crashes resulting in 39,000 injuries—underscoring the need to observe work zone speed limits and eliminate distractions when approaching and driving through work zones. This year’s National Kickoff Event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12 and is hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation VDOT. It will be held at 1:30 p.m. EDT at the Fort Monroe Continental Gazebo, 4 Fenwick Road, Hampton, Va. 23651, which overlooks the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Project. In case of rain, the event will move indoors to the Fort Monroe Theater, located a few blocks from the gazebo. The event will also be streamed live. Watch for details for the livestream at NWZAW.org/participate or the ATSSA blog. Cameron Hutt of Cleveland, Tenn., a college student whose father was killed in a work zone incident in 2006, is scheduled to speak at the National Kickoff Event. Cameron is a senior studying communications at the University of Tennessee and the recipient of a Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships are awarded through The American Traffic Safety Services ATSS Foundation, the charitable arm of ATSSA. The ATSS Foundation awards scholarships to the dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in work zone incidents. The scholarships are competitive and have a value up to $10,000 with an additional $1,000 possible for students with a strong commitment to volunteerism. NWZAW got its start in 1997 when a group of VDOT employees in southwestern Virginia wanted to dedicate a week to raise awareness of work zone safety among all district employees ahead of the busy roadway work season. The next year, VDOT presented the idea for a national awareness campaign to the American Traffic Safety Services Association ATSSA, which, in turn, approached the Federal Highway Administration FHWA and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials AASHTO. The groups finalized plans and launched the first national kickoff event in 2000. NWZAW now includes a theme for each day. April 11 – Work Zone Safety Training Day in which companies are encouraged to pause during the workday for safety demonstrations, discussions about safety policies and other prevention steps to protect people in work zones. April 12 – National Kickoff Event as described above. In addition, departments of transportation across the country and private companies organize events in their locations. April 13 – Go Orange Day when everyone is encouraged to wear orange to show support for work zone safety and the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones. Photos can be posted on social media with #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety. April 14 – Social media storm in which organizations, companies, agencies and individuals are encouraged to share messages and use hashtags #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety throughout social media between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. EDT. April 15 – Moment of Silence. People are encouraged to take part in this new event for 2022 to remember the people who lost their lives in a work zone incident. For additional information about NWZAW and its history, check NWZAW.org. The following public service announcements are available for use by the media: “Work zones are a sign to slow down.” That’s the theme of this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, set for April 11-15. 762 fatal crashes occurred in work zones in 2019, killing 135 roadway workers. Join us in raising awareness of the importance of slowing your vehicle and staying alert as you approach and pass by a work zone. For more information, visit NWZAW.org. Each year, hundreds of people are killed in roadway work zones. Most of them are the drivers and their passengers trying to travel through the work zone. That means it’s critical for everyone to pay attention. “Work zones are a sign to slow down.” That’s the theme of this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, scheduled for April 11-15. For more information, visit NWZAW.org. “Work zones are a sign to slow down.” Work zone crashes killed 842 people in 2019, including 135 roadway workers. Most of the people killed were drivers and their passengers. So slow down and stay alert as you approach and pass by a work zone. Help spread the word during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11-15. For more information, visit NWZAW.org. Additional hashtags for NWZAW include: #NWZAW #SafeWorkZonesForAll #WorkZoneSafety #StandDown4Safety #SaferRoadsSaveLives #GoOrange4Safety
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3M raised $15,279 this year for The ATSS Foundation through its Toward Zero Deaths pledge wall. The fundraiser ran from Jan. 1 through the final day of ATSSA’s 52nd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. “As the new ATSS Foundation Chair, I can't express enough how grateful I am for support from companies like 3M that share the vision with us to help families that have experienced such horrific work zone tragedies,” said Kevin Shelton. “3M’s yearslong commitment to hosting the pledge wall is a testament to its compassion for the families that have lost a loved one or had one permanently disabled by a work zone incident. It is also a testament to 3M’s commitment to working toward the goal of zero deaths on the nation’s roadways.” 3M raised $15,279 this year for The ATSS Foundation through its Toward Zero Deaths pledge wall. The fundraiser ran from Jan. 1 through the final day of ATSSA’s 52nd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. The company offered to match donations up to $5,000. Most of the funds raised came in during the Convention. “As the new ATSS Foundation Chair, I can't express enough how grateful I am for support from companies like 3M that share the vision with us to help families that have experienced such horrific work zone tragedies,” said Kevin Shelton. “3M’s yearslong commitment to hosting the pledge wall is a testament to its compassion for the families that have lost a loved one or had one permanently disabled by a work zone incident. It is also a testament to 3M’s commitment to working toward the goal of zero deaths on the nation’s roadways.” This is the seventh consecutive year Minnesota-based 3M has partnered with The Foundation by operating the pledge wall from the start of the year through the Convention & Traffic Expo. In 2021, 3M offered to match donations up to $5,000 but doubled it to bring the total raised to $23,042, making a significant difference for The Foundation in a year in which COVID-19 restrictions prevented it from holding its two largest yearly fundraisers—the Annual Golf Classic and the Sporting Clays Event.
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