In early March, President Trump announced he would invoke a legal provision that allows him to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on imported aluminum. Since then, a series of changing policy decisions has led to uncertainty about if and when the proposed tariffs will be implemented, and how they might impact the U.S. and countries around the world.

At Traffic Safety Direct, we are monitoring this situation closely as it has the potential to impact a variety of our core product lines. Corrosion-resistant steel is used for essentials like our wide selection of u-channel, round and square sign posts.

Traffic signs are a vital element of the massive transportation network that crisscrosses the country. Whether posted on highways or back roads, in suburban neighborhoods or city streets, these signs communicate rules, warnings, directions and other information that is essential for drivers and pedestrians.

Ensuring that these signs are well maintained is a major safety concern, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issues detailed guidelines for the local maintenance of signs and sign supports. In the wake of damage caused by winter weather and snowplowing operations, maintenance crews will be making it a priority to repair and replace signs now that spring has arrived.

Springtime typically signals the start of highway construction projects and road repair work as well. Roadway work zones are hazardous for motorists who have to navigate lane and speed changes and the complex array of signs and markers. The workers who build, repair and maintain our streets, bridges and highways are also at risk.

To improve the safety of drivers and workers and reduce the risk of accidents, it is imperative that work zones are well marked and that signage and pavement markings are highly visible.

Spring is the season for repair and recovery when it comes to America’s roadways. Warmer temperatures and longer days are a welcome relief, but the harsh winter weather often takes a heavy toll on paved roads and parking lots.

Cracks and potholes caused by the freeze/thaw cycle seem to appear over night. Plowing and salting can worsen the condition of already deteriorated roads, and street flooding from melting snow and spring rainstorms can further stress roads.

Without regular maintenance to keep pavement, shoulders and drainage facilities in good condition, roadways can rapidly fall into disrepair.

Construction zones have become a familiar sight on highways and in cities and towns across the country. These work zones are often hazardous for motorists and pedestrians trying to navigate them and for the workers who build, repair, and maintain our streets, bridges, and buildings. When construction or work sites have potentially dangerous conditions, it is important to alert motorists and pedestrians who are traveling nearby. Traffic signs are a vital tool for preventing accidents and injury, as well as ensuring the safety of the crews working in these hazardous, fast-paced environments.

For many of us, getting behind the wheel of a car is arguably the riskiest thing we do each day. And while the media is focused on the dangers of distracted driving, the truth is there are numerous factors that can increase or decrease the likelihood of getting into an accident.

More Accidents Happen After Dark
When it comes to driver safety, the time of day plays an important role. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found that most accidents occur between 6 and 9 p.m. This is due in part to hazards that are compounded at night. According to statistics, instances of drunk driving and speeding increase significantly after dark, and fatigue, inclement weather, and diminished vision also can make it more dangerous to be on the road at night.

The regulation from the Department of Transportation (DOT) on conspicuity material referred to as DOT C2 states that each trailer  of 80 or more inches overall width, and with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs. must have retro-reflective sheeting, such as reflective tape. (trailer designation comes with some additional stipulations such as date of manufacturing, etc)

All vehicles sold in the United States have factory equipped and legally required devices helping them to be visible in low light and inclement weather. However, the objective is to increase safety records of large trucks by ensuring the location and size of the trailer of large trucks is clearly seen.

As Americans, we are driving more because of lower gas prices and a better economy. Unfortunately, the number of vehicle related deaths in 2016 increased 6% compared to 2015 and 14% over 2014. These statistics are according to the NSC Motor Vehicle Fatality Estimates prepared by the Statistics Depar...

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed regulations to help ensure the visibility of large trucks during low light and inclement weather conditions. DOT C2 (S5.7.1.3(d)) is the regulation that specifies the requirements of reflective tape added to a truck's trailer to increase the trail...

There is much that can be done to improve the safety of pedestrians. This is a worldwide issue. Speed contributes to around one-third of all fatal road traffic crashes in high income countries, and up to half in low and middle-income countries.

As a world-wide effort, the United Nations (UN) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the UN Road Safety Collaboration. This collaboration set out in 2011 to achieve the goal of saving 5 million lives through Road Safety during the period of 2011 to 2020.