crash cushion Archives | TrafFix Devices Blog

Case Study: Sentinel Impact Tracker

By: Tom McKeown | December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 | News | 0

"Impact Detected!" This is an example of a selection of an email one receives when one of their Sentinel Impact Trackers has detected a possible impact from a vehicle.

TrafFix Devices Inc. has developed the Sentinel Impact Tracker to solve 2 specific issues facing Departments of Transportation, Road Operators, Turnpike Authorities, and Municipalities.

How do they know when their crash cushions and other fixed roadway devices have been struck by a car or truck?
How do they know the number of crash devices they have in the field, their type, where they are placed and geographic conditions?

Using the Sentinel’s various capabilities, users can solve these problems. The Sentinel Impact Tracker and its dashboard allows users to know where their devices are at all times and get immediate notification of an impact – all from a computer or mobile device.

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.

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.