What is ATSSA? Understanding Its Role in Traffic Safety
Introduction to ATSSA
The American Traffic Safety Services Association, commonly known as ATSSA, is a leading international trade association dedicated to advancing roadway safety. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, ATSSA represents a vast network of approximately 1,500 member companies and thousands of professionals in the roadway safety infrastructure industry. Its core mission? To reduce roadway fatalities and injuries by promoting innovative safety solutions, effective legislative advocacy, and top-tier training programs.
For over five decades, ATSSA has been a cornerstone in the traffic safety community, working tirelessly to shift the focus of transportation toward saving lives. Whether you’re a contractor, manufacturer, or public agency official, ATSSA provides the resources and expertise needed to make America’s roads safer.
How ATSSA Contributes to Traffic Safety
ATSSA plays a pivotal role in enhancing traffic safety through three key pillars: advocacy, training, and collaboration. Here’s how:
1. Legislative Advocacy
ATSSA actively engages with policymakers to champion roadway safety initiatives. By influencing legislation and promoting infrastructure investments, the association ensures that safety remains a priority at the federal and state levels. Their efforts help shape policies that support the deployment of essential traffic safety products, such as road signs, barriers, and pavement markings.
2. Industry-Leading Training
Recognized as the gold standard in roadway safety training, ATSSA offers certification programs for professionals involved in traffic control and work zone safety. Courses like Temporary Traffic Control Technician (TCT) and Flagger Training equip workers with the skills to install and maintain traffic control devices effectively, reducing risks in high-traffic areas.
3. Collaboration and Innovation
ATSSA fosters a vibrant community of roadway safety experts, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors. This collaboration drives innovation in traffic control devices and safety technologies. From guardrails to high-visibility channelizers, many of the solutions pioneered through ATSSA’s network are available at Traffic Safety Store.
ATSSA’s Impact on Everyday Road Safety
Every day, drivers and pedestrians benefit from ATSSA’s work without even realizing it. The association’s members design, manufacture, and install the traffic safety devices we rely on—think road signs, speed bumps, and reflective vests. These products are critical for managing traffic flow, protecting work zones, and preventing accidents.
For example, ATSSA’s annual Convention & Traffic Expo brings together industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge safety solutions. Many of these innovations find their way into the inventories of leading distributors like Traffic Safety Store, ensuring that businesses and municipalities have access to the best tools for roadway safety.
Why ATSSA Matters to You
Whether you’re a roadway safety professional or simply a concerned citizen, ATSSA impacts your life by making roads safer. Their “Toward Zero Deaths” initiative aligns with a broader national goal to eliminate roadway fatalities—a mission supported by high-quality safety products available at Traffic Safety Store.
Need traffic cones, barricades, or flares for your next project? Explore the Traffic Safety Store for MUTCD-compliant solutions that meet the standards championed by ATSSA.
Conclusion
In summary, ATSSA is more than just an association—it’s a driving force behind safer roads across the United States. Through advocacy, training, and innovation, ATSSA ensures that traffic safety remains a top priority.
