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A community of traffic industry professionals working together to make roads safer.

What is PROWAG? A Must-Know for Traffic Engineers and City Planners

If you’re a traffic engineer, city planner, or DOT professional, ensuring pedestrian safety and accessibility is likely a top priority in your projects. The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) provide critical guidance to help you create safer, more accessible roadways for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities. But what exactly is PROWAG, and why does it matter to your work?

Enhancing Pedestrian Safety: TraffiCalm and Pelco Solutions

Pedestrian Safety Month emphasizes the need for proactive safety measures to reduce the 7,500 annual pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. TraffiCalm’s RRFBs and Push-2-Cross systems are critical in improving visibility and protection at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections, ensuring safer journeys for all.

The History of Wrong Way Driving Technology

The history of wrong-way driving detection technology showcases a journey from basic static measures like signage and pavement markings to advanced AI-powered systems that offer unparalleled accuracy and real-time response. Early technologies such as optical and radar detection faced challenges like poor performance in low light and false positives, which led to the development of more sophisticated solutions.

Breaking Down the MUTCD 11th Edition: Key Updates for Traffic Safety Professionals

If you're in the field of traffic safety, you're likely familiar with the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) — the defining document that sets the national standards for traffic control devices. In December 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the much-anticipated 11th edition of the MUTCD, bringing updates that reflect the current needs of modern traffic management. With significant changes across multiple areas, from pedestrian safety to speed limit setting, this new edition demands attention. Let’s break down some of the most important updates so you can stay ahead in traffic safety.

Navigating the 2024 MUTCD: How Flexibility and Interpretation Shape Compliance

The release of the 2024 MUTCD 11th Edition represents a significant shift in roadway safety guidelines, impacting everything from pedestrian crosswalks to speed limits and signage. While the updates offer clear guidance for compliance, there’s more flexibility than many realize—particularly for state agencies and engineers. This blog delves into these nuances, providing a broader perspective on how to interpret the MUTCD and tailor it to local needs.

MUTCD Uncovered: Addressing Common Misconceptions and Ensuring Compliance

The latest MUTCD edition introduces several key changes that impact roadway calming products. These updates are designed to enhance traffic safety and efficiency, incorporating advancements in technology and addressing evolving transportation needs. However, with change comes uncertainty, particularly regarding product compliance and eligibility for government funding. Let's delve into the specific changes and how they affect TraffiCalm's offerings.

Pedestrian Safety: Are We Moving in the Right Direction?

In a recent report published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), a troubling trend in pedestrian fatalities has been highlighted, revealing that drivers struck and killed over 7,300 walkers in the United States in 2023 alone.

The Critical Need for Advanced Wrong-Way Driving Countermeasures: Insights from the 2024 FHWA Report

Wrong-way driving (WWD) incidents, while relatively rare, pose a significant and growing risk on our roadways. These events often result in severe crashes, injuries, and fatalities, making them a major concern for traffic safety professionals. The 2024 report from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), titled "Compendium of Wrong-Way-Driving Treatments and Countermeasures," emphasizes the critical need for advanced solutions to address this pressing issue. This blog post delves into the findings of the report, exploring the challenges posed by WWD and the innovative countermeasures that can help mitigate this risk.

Wrong-way Driving: Who Calls the Shots on Prevention?

As urban areas expand and road networks become increasingly complex, wrong-way driving has emerged as a critical challenge for traffic engineers and city officials. The rise in these dangerous incidents, particularly in intricate metro areas like Bellevue, Washington, where a wrong-way driver recently collided with a transit bus, highlights the need for more advanced solutions. The question remains: who is responsible for preventing these tragedies, and how can technology like TraffiCalm's SafePath™ Advanced Wrong-Way Detection System play a role in addressing this growing concern?

Complete Streets: Funding Opportunities and Implementation for Safer, Equitable Roadways

The Complete Streets initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is a transformative approach to creating road networks that are safe, comfortable, and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users. This initiative is crucial for developing equitable and connected transportation systems that prioritize the needs of every community member.
School Zone with Yellow School Bus and a speed limit sign that has been knocked down, showing the risk of school zone safety issues.

Safe Routes to School: Leveraging Funding for MUTCD Compliant Beacons and RRFBs

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative aims to make it safer for students to walk and bike to school, encouraging more children to use these modes of transportation by addressing safety barriers. This national program, administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), was established in 2005 to provide funding for infrastructure improvements, education, and encouragement programs that promote walking and bicycling to school.
TC Speed Connect software for Trafficalm Radar Driver Feedback Signs

Introducing TC Speed Connect V2.0: Revolutionizing Radar Driver Feedback Signs Configuration

At TraffiCalm, we are committed to advancing traffic safety through innovative solutions. Our latest breakthrough, TC Speed Connect V2.0, is a mobile application designed for Android devices that simplifies the configuration and management of our radar driver feedback signs. This robust tool is set to transform how technicians interact with these essential traffic safety devices.

Precision and Innovation: TraffiCalm's Advanced Manufacturing Process

At TraffiCalm, we take immense pride in our advanced manufacturing process, which is rooted in precision, innovation, and a commitment to quality. Our state-of-the-art facility in North Idaho allows us to produce high-quality traffic safety electronics, including our renowned Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and School Zone Beacons. This blog post delves into our sophisticated manufacturing process and highlights how we maintain flexibility, agility, and compliance with key regulations.

Enhancing Roadway Safety with RRFBs and School Zone Beacons: TraffiCalm's Commitment to Innovation

For over three decades, TraffiCalm has been a leader in the traffic safety industry, consistently adapting to technological advancements and regulatory changes to provide innovative solutions for safer roads. Our Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and School Zone Beacons are prime examples of our dedication to enhancing pedestrian safety and ensuring compliance with the latest standards.

Case Study: Effectiveness of Dynamic Speed Feedback Signs Volume

This review analyzes the impact of Radar Speed Signs (RSS) in school zones, showing significant vehicle speed reductions and improved safety. Covering findings from 43 publications, it highlights RSS's effectiveness in decreasing speeds by an average of 3.21 mph, enhancing pedestrian safety, especially for children. The study offers crucial insights for traffic safety strategies, emphasizing RSS's vital role in creating safer school environments.

Crash Modification Factors for Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossing Treatments

This comprehensive study explores the effectiveness of pedestrian safety enhancements, particularly Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), in reducing pedestrian-vehicle incidents across urban and suburban settings. Through detailed cross-sectional and before-after analyses, the article highlights the development of Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) for RRFBs and other treatments.

Evaluation of RRFB Implementation at Freeway Off-Ramps and Its Effectiveness on Wrong-Way Driving

This review explores the effectiveness of red Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) by TraffiCalm in mitigating wrong-way driving incidents on freeways. Highlighting a case study, it confirms that these advanced beacons significantly improve roadway safety by alerting and directing drivers effectively, reducing the likelihood of wrong-way accidents. TraffiCalm's solutions stand out for their innovative approach to traffic safety, offering reliable and technologically advanced options for road safety challenges.

Technical Review of Pedestrian Safety Under Alcohol Influence: Insights from Tennessee

Pedestrian safety, particularly concerning individuals impaired by alcohol (WUI), presents a significant challenge in urban planning and traffic safety. Studies, including a comprehensive analysis of pedestrian crashes in Tennessee, highlight the increased risk of accidents and fatalities associated with WUI, underscoring the need for targeted safety interventions. Factors such as gender, age, higher posted speed limits, and nighttime conditions are positively associated with WUI incidents, necessitating solutions that address these specific risks.

Enhancing Road Safety in Rural British Columbia: A Collaborative Success

In rural British Columbia, a collaborative effort between TraffiCalm, a traffic calming production company from North Idaho, and InterProvincial, a Surrey-based installation partner, has led to the successful deployment of an innovative curve warning system. This project aimed to enhance road safety by introducing an advanced warning sign, activated by smart radar technology, to alert drivers to dangerous curves ahead.

Case Study: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) in Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern for transportation agencies, especially at uncontrolled, marked crosswalks where traditional signage may be insufficient. To address this issue, the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) has emerged as a valuable tool to enhance pedestrian conspicuity and increase driver awareness.

Case Study: Systemic Approach to Prevent Wrong-Way Driving

This study proposes a comprehensive systemic approach to mitigate wrong-way driving incidents, particularly focusing on the typical profile of wrong-way drivers. The recommendations encompass various engineering countermeasures, considering factors such as signage, pavement markings, active warning signs, geometric modifications, and lighting. Statistical data and references to LED lighting and RRFB usage are integrated where applicable.

Case Study: Estimating the Crash Reduction of Flashing LED Stop Signs

In this article, we delve into a meticulous study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation on the safety implications of flashing LED stop signs. Through detailed technical analysis, the study reveals a statistically significant 41.5% reduction in crashes, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of this innovative traffic control solution.

Traffic Calming Studies

Radar Speed Signs keep both drivers and pedestrians safe. By encouraging compliance with posted speed limits, the risk of collision is reduced, and the rate of fatalities as a result of collisions is decreased as well.

Stop Signs are Ineffective at Traffic Calming

Conventional Stop Sign Drawbacks

It might strike some people that the obvious approach to dealing with aggressive drivers would be more stop signs. However, stop signs can simply aggravate the problem.

Traffic Calming in Winter Conditions

When Increased Traffic Risks Are Apparent

When it comes to winter driving, slowing down traffic is crucial. Not just for the safety of others but also to protect yourself.

Using Traffic Calming Technology to Keep Airports Safe

Airport Traffic - Differences

When it comes to monitoring traffic in airports, the difficulties are different from almost any other busy area. With large amounts of people coming in and out, some of whom are international visitors, the challenges faced become unique.

Using a Traffic Calming Sign to Reduce Speeding

Common Speeding Areas

Some areas are much more common for speeding than others. Long stretches of highway tend to be an obvious choice for speeders, but so are places like large parking lots and garages. Even residential neighborhoods can become a target zone.

Using Radar Speed Signs to Protect Hospitals

Vulnerable Pedestrians

One of the areas with the most vulnerable pedestrians is hospital parking lots. With patients coming in and out, many of them in states of extreme anguish and moving slowly, the the potential for accidents increases.

Radar Speed Sign

Traffic Calming Around Hotels

Any Need

Hotels are unique because they go through stages when they are busy and when they are inactive. During tourists seasons or when there is a conference in town, the hotels fill up quickly.

Keeping Holiday Traffic Under Control

The Traffic Boom

Most people love public holidays because they associate them with good memories. But public holidays can be very difficult, especially for travelers.

Using Traffic Calming to Keep Large Events Safe

Surviving Large Event Traffic

If you have ever been to a large party you know what the atmosphere is like: people moving in groups, laughing and talking, constant movement, crowds coming and going constantly...

Keeping Traffic Calm In Work Areas

Where To Start

It is always important to keep traffic carefully controlled in work zones and when it comes to speed signs, the best place to begin is right at the beginning.