Signs are important fixtures that help advance roadway safety every day throughout the United States. Today, a variety of symbols, shapes, and colors are used to convey messages to users on and around the roadways. Signs types include traffic, roadway, warning, railroad, guide, recreational, temporary, regulatory, pedestrian, and bicycle.

There are many benefits to using symbols, which include immediate communication with all roadway users and their ability to break language barriers. Colors can communicate approaching scenarios such as using orange to indicate an upcoming work zone or red for an upcoming stop or yielding point. A number of shapes are also used to indicate oncoming situations or to provide roadway users with information such as octagons for stop and long horizontal, rectangular signs displaying guidance information.

Today, traffic signs are being looped into the world of autonomous driving technology. Research efforts are being made to equip traffic signs with technology, like embedded machine-readable codes, to allow them to communicate with Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs) and other mapping devices.

ATSSA has dedicated group of members on its Sign Committee (member login required), who work to:

• Enhance members’ businesses by increasing their understanding of traffic control devices on private property,
• Influence the present and future direction of Minimum Retroreflectivity Standards,
• Inform and educate roadway safety industry members on sign industry-related matters,
• Provide knowledge and education about signing retroreflectivity,
• Work to have dedicated funds identified and available for sign management systems and the implementation of upgraded programs to conform with MRS,
• Monitor and influence the development of a new MUTCD chapter on changeable message signs,
• Improve upon and solicit greater committee member participation in Sign Committee meetings and on task forces, including recruitment of new committee members.