This year’s 3M pledge wall raised $14,820 for The ATSS Foundation. This was the seventh year 3M has operated the virtual wall fundraiser, which ran from the start of the year through the end of ATSSA’s Convention & Traffic Expo. 3M launched the event with an offer to match up to $5,000 in donations. When the tally fell just short of that figure—at $4,820—the company elected to provide the full match. Those funds plus 3M’s $5,000 sponsorship provided The Foundation with a total of $14,820. ATSS Foundation Vice Chair Peter Johnston stands in front of the 3M Pledge Wall on the Traffic Expo floor during ATSSA's 2023 Convention & Traffic Expo in Phoenix in February. This year’s 3M pledge wall raised $14,820 for The ATSS Foundation. This was the seventh year 3M has operated the virtual wall fundraiser, which ran from the start of the year through the end of ATSSA’s Convention & Traffic Expo. 3M launched the event with an offer to match up to $5,000 in donations. When the tally fell just short of that figure—at $4,820—the company elected to provide the full match. Those funds plus 3M’s $5,000 sponsorship provided The Foundation with a total of $14,820. “We are grateful for 3M’s support of The Foundation through this fundraiser for seven years running,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “We appreciate the company’s commitment and its generosity in donating the full match amount. Our generous donors make a difference in educating people about roadway safety and in the lives of people affected by roadway tragedies.” The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of ATSSA and exists to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs.
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The ATSS Foundation recently recognized the Shirley family of Georgia with the nonprofit’s Ambassador Award. The Foundation Ambassador Award recognizes an individual or entity for extraordinary efforts in supporting The Foundation’s core purpose of promoting roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. Georgia ATSSA Chapter President Rick Brockman nominated the family for the Foundation Ambassador Award in recognition of their years-long efforts in helping both The Foundation and the Georgia Department of Transportation, both of which offer college scholarships. ATSS Foundation Vice Chair Peter Johnston, left, presented the Foundation Ambassador Award to Ryan Shirley, center, on behalf of his family during The Foundation’s Annual Golf Classic Tournament on Feb. 17 in Phoenix. Georgia ATSSA Chapter President Rick Brockman nominated the Shirley family for the recognition. The ATSS Foundation recently recognized the Shirley family of Georgia with the nonprofit’s Ambassador Award. The Foundation Ambassador Award recognizes an individual or entity for extraordinary efforts in supporting The Foundation’s core purpose of promoting roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. The Shirley family, which owns and operates Safety Signal Co. in Georgia, has for 13 years run the Jim Shirley Memorial Golf Tournament and donated half of the proceeds to benefit The ATSS Foundation. The other half has gone to the Georgia Department of Transportation GDOT for scholarships. Safety Signal Co. was founded in Forest Park, Ga., in 1969 by Jim Shirley and Dave Bussey, who were brothers-in-law. The family has continued operating the business since then, with Jim’s widow—Dee Shirley—as the current owner. The company is now located in Union City, Ga. Georgia ATSSA Chapter President Rick Brockman nominated the family for the Foundation Ambassador Award in recognition of their years-long efforts in helping both The Foundation and GDOT, both of which offer college scholarships. “The Shirley family has started, managed, promoted and worked on the annual Jim Shirley Memorial Golf Tournament with this being the 13th year,” Brockman wrote in nominating the family. “They literally shut down their company for the day to make this event successful.” The ATSS Foundation Board approved the award in November and presented it to Ryan Shirley at The Foundation’s Annual Golf Classic Tournament held as part of ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo in Phoenix in February. “We are extremely grateful to all of the members of the Shirley family for their many years of support,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “Their commitment to The Foundation through this event that honors Jim Shirley has made a difference in the lives of young adults pursuing their dreams after a devastating loss and in helping raise awareness of the importance of roadway safety.” The ATSS Foundation Board reviews nominations for the Ambassador Award three times a year—in March, July and November. Details on the criteria and a nomination form are available online. To date, four awards have been presented. The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of ATSSA.
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Thousands of roadway safety advocates filled the Phoenix Convention Center this week for ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo, exploring the latest technology and equipment for protecting lives within work zones and on the nation’s roadways. A record-setting number of people registered, with more than 3,700 for this year's event. With nearly 50 education sessions to choose from, they gained both practical tips—such as how to negotiate contracts to limit liability—and enhanced their understanding of critical workplace safety and technology issues such as advances in communication between work zones and connected and autonomous vehicles CAVs. Keynote speaker Scott Wozniak, an organizational leadership expert from Atlanta, addressed a key workforce issue on Sunday when he offered insights for building a successful team by focusing on the essential element of employee engagement. Check out some of the highlights of this week's event. Thousands of roadway safety advocates filled the Phoenix Convention Center this week for ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo, exploring the latest technology and equipment for protecting lives within work zones and on the nation’s roadways. A record-setting number of people registered, with more than 3,700 for this year's event. With nearly 50 education sessions to choose from, they gained both practical tips—such as how to negotiate contracts to limit liability—and enhanced their understanding of critical workplace safety and technology issues such as advances in communication between work zones and connected and autonomous vehicles CAVs. Keynote speaker Scott Wozniak, an organizational leadership expert from Atlanta, addressed a key workforce issue on Sunday when he offered insights for building a successful team by focusing on the essential element of employee engagement. He explained his seven elements of the employee engagement engine but started with a baseline question and observation. “Do you know what makes them tick,” he said. “The fuel that threads through all of this is to speak to your people about what matters to them.” Former U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania weighed in on Monday with insights from his 17-plus years in Congress where he chaired the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He took part in a Legislative Insights Forum during which he chatted with ATSSA Vice President of Engagement Nate Smith, who leads the Association’s advocacy team. Three national awards were announced during the Convention: Peter Speer of Pexco for the Industry Achievement Award, Neil Boudreau of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation MassDOT for the National Safety Award and Jerry Britt, now a consultant for PPG, for the Mark of Excellence Award. Blue Vigil of Sterling, Va., earned an Innovation Award for its ALED Portable Light which is a person-portable area lighting system that mounts a high-intensity LED array on a tethered unmanned aerial vehicle UAV that can be positioned up to 100 feet above a job site. That was one of 18 products in this year’s New Products Rollout. It wowed the department of transportation officials who served as judges. Throughout the Convention, participants established and strengthened relationships through informal gatherings between sessions and on the Traffic Expo floor as well as in organized gatherings including the Chair’s Reception where they were entertained by American Indian hoop dancers and local music. With mountains and desert as a backdrop, members also enjoyed two ATSS Foundation events. Both the 31st Annual Golf Classic Tournament and the 10th Annual Sporting Clays event—the two major Foundation fundraisers for the year—were sold out well in advance. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship recipient Joann Jones of Bluffton, Ind., attended the Convention and was on hand at the golf tournament, held at Wigwam Golf Club in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Joann’s father, Dale Jones, was killed in a work zone incident in 2009. She attends Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland where she is studying astrophysics. Scholarship recipient Rylee O’Brien of Frederic, Wisc., also attended the Convention and interacted with members taking part in the clays event at Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix. Her father, Robert O’Brien, was permanently disabled in a work zone incident in 2017. He and Rylee’s mother, Heather, attended the Convention. Rylee headed home on Sunday to resume her nursing studies at Minnesota State University Mankato. The two college students weren’t the only young participants in this year’s Convention. Two students from Arlington High School in Arlington, Mass., won this year’s Traffic Control Device TCD Student Challenge, which is open to students from high school through graduate school. Petru Sofio and Talia Askenazi are computer-aided drafting and design students. Talia gave a presentation on Monday of their solution to this year’s challenge: Innovative Traffic Control Devices to Improve Vulnerable Road User Safety. The Arizona ATSSA Chapter AZ-ATSSA also encouraged future roadway safety infrastructure professionals to attend the Convention. The chapter hosted Student Day on Monday during which local students from 7th grade through university level could attend for free, enjoy a luncheon to learn about the industry and then tour the Traffic Expo floor and interact with exhibitors. “It was great to see so many young people taking part in this year’s Convention & Traffic Expo,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner said. “This industry offers limitless opportunities for careers that can contribute to saving lives and utilize the latest technology. I hope they were inspired by what they saw and we will see them continue to grow in their interest. This event is a wonderful way to learn the many ways our industry advances roadway safety. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event in San Diego.”
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Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships can fuel the journey to dreams fulfilled for students who lost a parent or had one permanently disabled due to a work zone incident. The ATSS Foundation offers two scholarships for the loved ones following a work zone tragedy. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program offers dependents of the workers—both children and spouses—an opportunity to continue pursuing their academic dreams beyond high school. This competitive program offers up to $10,000 for an academic year. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, who was an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry. Applications are due by Feb. 15 for the 2023-24 academic year. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships can fuel the journey to dreams fulfilled for students who lost a parent or had one permanently disabled due to a work zone incident. The ATSS Foundation offers two scholarships for the loved ones following a work zone tragedy. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program offers dependents of the workers—both children and spouses—an opportunity to continue pursuing their academic dreams beyond high school. This competitive program offers up to $10,000 for an academic year. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, who was an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry. Applications are due by Feb. 15 for the 2023-24 academic year. The Foundation also offers Experience Camp Travel Scholarships for children and youth to attend a free one-week, overnight summer camp where there is opportunity for healing alongside peers who have experienced similar losses. Experience Camps are a national network of summer camps and year-round programs for children and teens in grades 4 through 12. The Experience Camps Travel Scholarship covers all round-trip travel costs for the student and his or her guardian. “The goal is to no longer need these scholarships because we see an end to work zone worker deaths and serious injuries,” said ATSS Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “In the meantime, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations. “We have been blessed by the commitment of many ATSSA members and chapters to support The Foundation such as 3M—which again this year established a pledge wall that continues through the end of the 2023 Convention & Traffic Expo, the New England ATSSA Chapter—which hosted an event during the 2022 Midyear Meeting, and the Georgia ATSSA Chapter—which matched donations during Giving Tuesday and is a sponsor for this year’s Hoops Mania.” The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships since its inception in 1988. Fourteen students were awarded scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year. Two of the 14 also received the Chuck Bailey Memorial Scholarship for this school year. Current Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship recipients share their stories and discuss how ATSS Foundation scholarships have helped them achieve their dreams. The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of ATSSA. It was formed with the core purpose to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. Donations can be made at Foundation.ATSSA.com/Donate.
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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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