Tom McKeown

The importance of the HV2 MASH Temporary Barrier

By: Tom McKeown | June 5, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

Back in 2022 CalTrans released Supplement to Traffic Safety Systems Guidance: Temporary Barrier Systems with the stated intention of implementing MASH approved Temporary Barriers and the phasing out of industry standard of Temporary Railing (Type K), also known as K-rail.

This transition will be a multi-year phase process beginning in 2025 with a percentage of all jobs requiring temporary barrier in the state to have MASH alternatives. This initiative puts safety at the forefront; K-rail is being phased out over the next several years because it does not meet MASH crash testing standards.

Understanding the potential burden placed on businesses, CalTrans has put forward a phase out period for jobs continuing to use K-rail through December 31 2026, and projects advertised starting January 1, 2027 must use a MASH approved temporary barrier system only.

A MASH Approved Alternative

TrafFix Devices has always been vocal supporters of MASH approved products, and as such have sought to partner and distribute the HV2 barrier which is one of the current CalTrans approved MASH barriers. HV2 is a freestanding temporary barrier product that offers fast installation and exceptional safety for use on bridge decks, highways, and other road maintenance projects.

The barrier’s patented hybrid technology and unique connectors offer high containment and low deflection, while remaining economical to transport and deploy with no time-consuming anchoring required.

Fast-Trak to TMA Success

By: Tom McKeown | May 30, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

Fast-Trak SwiftConnect for the Scorpion TMA and Scorpion II TMA

We know that many contractors don’t need a TMA on every vehicle in their fleet. We also know that many customers would like to move a TMA from this truck to that truck. Fleet maintenance would also dictate the necessity for Scorpion TMA’s to be easily and somewhat regularly removed or swapped between certain vehicles. The ability to have a vehicle undergo maintenance/repair while allowing the TMA to remain in service is often critical to the business operations of our clients.

TrafFix Devices developed the Fast-Trak for the Scorpion TMA & Scorpion II TMA to solve exactly this issue, ensuring our clients can maintain a Scorpion in-service more often. The ability to remove and replace the Scorpion TMA ensures that a truck can be multi-purpose and maintain its original intended use or that other trucks can carry the TMA when some are being serviced. Moreover, the Fast-Trak enables arrow and message board installations to work as an easily removable truck frame extension to clear anything hanging off the back of the truck.

Safeguarding Road Workers: TrafFix Devices’ Response to Fatality Rates

By: Tom McKeown | May 15, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

Attenuation Technology that Saves Lives — TrafFix Devices

Recent news articles reporting statistics on road worker fatalities have sparked concern and renewed efforts to enhance safety measures on our roads as seen in the U.S. Sun article highlighting a new “Move Over or Slow Down” law in Texas, and ABC News 10 (WHEC-TV) reporting on a New York Thruway worker struck on I-90.

According to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, total Work Zone traffic fatalities in 2022 were 891. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 136 of these. Pedestrians are identified in FARS as being at work or a construction, maintenance, utility worker, or a transportation worker (e.g., maintenance workers, safety service patrol operators).

In light of these alarming figures, TrafFix Devices reaffirms its commitment to protecting road workers and reducing risks through innovative solutions like the Scorpion truck-mounted attenuator (TMA/TTMA).

SLED: The Obvious choice for Reliability, Simplicity and Efficiency

By: Tom McKeown | May 8, 2024August 23, 2024 | News | 0

The Sentry Longitudinal Energy Dissipater (SLED) is a narrow, water-filled non-redirective gating crash cushion that is MASH Tested, Passed, and Eligible.

The SLED is designed to shield the end of all permanent and temporary portable barrier shapes including concrete, steel and plastic. The SLED End Treatment does not require foundation anchor bolts to be attached to the road or bridge deck. The complete crash cushion can be installed quickly, with one pick up truck on compacted dirt, gravel, decomposed granite, asphalt or concrete.

Knowledge Base: a technical platform for your TrafFix Devices Scorpion II and Delta

By: Tom McKeown | May 1, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

You asked, we listened! TrafFix Devices proudly introduces our Knowledge Base. The Knowledge base was created to provide technical documents for operational and maintenance teams – establishing an easy to navigate digital experience – that is accessible 24/7, worldwide.

Taking a customer-centric approach, we have sought to create less downtime, putting the data at your fingertips. Rather than waiting for technical support to become available, the Knowledge Base gives you the framework needed to triage and troubleshoot wherever and whenever.

The Knowledge Base houses prerequisite materials for the TrafFix University, Bluevolt training, to become a TrafFix Approved partner.

With time to repair being critical for teams in the field – the Knowledge Base endeavors to cut this time whilst providing you and your teams the most up-to-date information. TrafFix Devices is continuously revising the Knowledge Base documents and are developed based on your needs.

Driving Change: Sustainable Initiatives at TrafFix Devices

By: Tom McKeown | April 24, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

With Earth Day taking place this week it is a good reminder that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a crucial aspect of responsible business practices. We recognize our responsibly and try to lead the way as a pioneer in traffic control and safety solutions.

Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

TrafFix Devices understands the importance of environmental stewardship and is dedicated to minimizing its impact on the planet. Our sustainability efforts are not just limited to words but are reflected in concrete actions and initiatives. This is reflected in our participation in Tire Incentive Program (TIP) administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), a branch of the California Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of this program is to provide opportunities to divert waste tires from landfill disposal, prevent illegal tire dumping, and promote products made from California Recycled Tires.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation: Block Axess

By: Tom McKeown | April 10, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

Hostile vehicle mitigation is a system deployed to reduce the risk of vehicular threat to pedestrians. These security devices, like the Block Axess, represent a seismic shift in the focus of roadway protection. Where our philosophy has always been to safeguard driver and vehicle occupants, with a system like the Block Axess our duty of care shifts towards pedestrians, seeking to protect them from distracted or deliberately malicious drivers.

The system is implemented to ensure publicly accessible foot traffic, be it for large-scale events, critical infrastructure, or high-risk zones, our hostile vehicle mitigation HVM ensure your safety is never compromised.

The Block Axess made from heavy duty steel sitting on black asphalt protecting a pedestrian event from hostile vehicles while allowing easy pedestrian traffic flow around and through the barrier. — Block Axess — Vehicle Mitigation System (HVM).
A safe and secure way to protect your public event from hostile vehicles.

Enhance crew safety through Connected Work Zones and the Sentinel Impact Tracker

By: Tom McKeown | April 3, 2024August 23, 2024 | News | 0

Work zone safety is once again in the spotlight

Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory; the Sentinel™ by TrafFix Devices, a groundbreaking solution designed to revolutionize connected work zone safety for road and construction crews. The Sentinel ensures seamless communication and coordination between workers and equipment, minimizing risks and enhancing efficiency. Equipped with real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing crews to identify and address potential hazards. From intelligent traffic management to enhanced worker visibility, the Sentinel is the ultimate tool for ensuring a safe and productive work environment, paving the way for a smarter and safer future in construction and road maintenance.

The Sentinel leverages cutting-edge technology to create a secure work environment. One of its key features is seamless connectivity, enabling real-time communication and coordination among workers and equipment. This connectivity ensures that everyone on-site is aware of potential hazards and can respond swiftly and effectively, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Enhancing Road Safety: The Benefits of TL2+^®

By: Tom McKeown | March 27, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

Why TL2+?: TL2+^® has been developed and tested to 50Mp/H not 45Mp/H MASH standards, signifying a fundamental change in engineering and design principles in impact attenuators. TrafFix Devices has developed the first fixed crash cushion that is tested to TL2+^®.

Why does that matter?Many of the atrial roads that feed our highways as well as on/off ramps increasingly have speed limits in excess of 45 MPH, the maximum testing speed to attain TL-2 accreditation, meaning that these systems no longer provide the safety coverage for areas signposted at 50Mp/H speed limits.

Enhanced Collision Protection: The Delta TL2+^® crash cushion is engineered to absorb impact energy during collisions, thereby minimizing the risk of injuries to motorists and passengers. This enhanced collision protection is a testament to the meticulous design and rigorous testing that these crash cushions undergo, ensuring optimal performance when it matters most.

Enhancing First-Responder Safety with Innovative Technology

By: Tom McKeown | March 19, 2024August 21, 2024 | News | 0

Fortworth Fire & Rescue Scorpion Blocker Truck after it was impacted protecting an emergency scene

At TrafFix Devices, our commitment to safety extends beyond roadways to include those who bravely serve our communities every day—firefighters. We are proud to share a recent success story involving our specially designed Blocker Truck, which played a crucial role in saving lives during a operation on State highway 121 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The incident, as reported by CBS News, showcased the importance of advanced equipment in mitigating risks faced by firefighters. In this case, our Scorpion II Blocker Truck was deployed by the Fort Worth Fire Department to protect firefighters providing critical highway assistance. The unique design of the Blocker Truck allowed it to shield firefighters from oncoming traffic and potential secondary impacts, creating a safe zone amidst the chaos.