ATTENTION: The NEW Traffic Control Devices…MUST READ!!!

The new sets of standards and guidance for traffic control devices are being implemented to increase safety, especially for older drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and construction workers. Auto accidents frequently involve more than the vehicles directly involved in the accident and can injure anything that gets in the way, such as pedestrians. The Fluorescent pink signs are to alert drivers to traffic crashes, large print on road signs are for older drivers, and “animated eyes” is to caution pedestrians at intersections, these are among the improvements of federal highway engineers are recommending in States authorities considering or making travel safer and easier.

The recommendations are included in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) update of a publication used nationally by state and local transportation agencies in designing and placing traffic signs and signals and pavement markings.

Improvement in the 2003 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) include enlarged letter size on street signs and turn path pavement markings at intersections meant to help older drivers. For pedestrians, the new manual includes guidelines for “animated eyes,” electronic signs that mimic back and forth eye movements to serve as a reminder to look both ways before crossing a street; “countdown signals” that tell pedestrians the time remaining to cross a street safely; and crosswalk markings and “in-street” pedestrian signs that focus the eyes of the driver on crosswalk activity. This revised manual also contains new provisions to help pedestrians with disabilities.

For instance, the make use of barriers to assist in safe direction-finding of walkways and audible devices to communicate sign information will assist visually impaired individuals. To increase safety for bicyclists, the manual calls for new bicycle lane markings and symbols.

The new improve manual will help the safety of highway construction workers by requiring them to suit-up a high visibility clothing and greater use of barricade devices. It allows fluorescent pink signs to alert drivers to traffic incidents, such as crash sites, closed exits and detours. It also provides for location and direction of travel reference signs that will be posted at shorter intervals than the current mileposts, for example every one-tenth mile. These signs will help drivers and emergency responders in reporting and locating sites of breakdowns, crashes, and other highway incidents, particularly in complex urban areas.

MUTCD make sure in uniformity in traffic control devices so that the drivers know what to expect no matter where they are traveling in United States. It is a part of FHWA’s continuing efforts to improve the safety and operational efficiency of the transportation system for all Americans.