Safety Initiatives & Funding

Roadway users have come to expect constant improvements in traffic safety. Yet, government agencies across the U.S. are under increasing pressure to cut costs and do more with less. Following are some recommended (and in some cases mandated) programs for safety improvements, along with potential avenues to funding.

Minimum Levels of Retroreflectivity

Changes to the Federal Highway Administration's Minimum Levels of Retroreflectivity Ruling for traffic signs became effective in June of 2012. Learn more about the ruling and how 3M can help you ensure compliance.

High Risk Rural Roads

Rural roads are the most dangerous roads in America. NHTSA reports that—nationwide, for the years 2000 through 2007—rural traffic fatality rates were more than twice that of urban areas. Learn more about the issues and 3M solutions for High Risk Rural Roads.

Rail-Highway Grade Crossing Safety

Deaths and injuries at highway-rail crossings are a major safety concern. Vehicle/train collisions are more severe than other highway crashes; a motorist is 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision with another motor vehicle. Highly visible signs and markings at crossings and approaches are among the recommended safety improvements.

Guide Sign Replacement

State departments of transportation across the U.S. are looking for ways to improve guide sign visibility and save taxpayer dollars. Many are finding one solution that helps achieve both goals by upgrading to guide signs made with high performance reflective sheeting, while at the same time cutting maintenance and energy costs by turning off guide sign lighting.

 

Vehicle Marking Regulations

The motoring public shares roads with large vehicles that--when stopped or at crossings--have the potential to become dangerous obstacles, particularly at night. Semi-tractor trailers, rail cars, school buses, emergency response apparatus and waste management vehicles all have regulations or standards for retroreflective markings for nighttime visibility.