May/June 2017

32 American Traffic Safety Services Association GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ATSSA joins Safety Spectrum Coalition ATSSA joined the Safety Spectrum Coalition in early April to support advanced Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technologies supported by the 5.9 GHz safety spectrum band in vehicles. That means a much safer environment for all road users who utilize autonomous “connected” vehicles for their daily transportation needs. ATSSA’s Vice President of Government Relations, Nate Smith, said the new partnership also offers ATSSA members unique opportunities to further improve roadway safety infrastructure to help the advancement of Highly Autonomous Vehicles (HAV). According to the Safety Spectrum Coalition’s website, technology exists that can stop crashes before they happen. “Connected cars will be able to talk to each other like your cell phone, TV, and other wireless devices, and warn you about things you can’t see to make driving safer, increase fuel economy, and ease traffic congestion. But this connected car technology needs the Safety Spectrum to operate. The FCC is considering a change in their rules that could jeopardize the Safety Spectrum. Decisions over sharing the Safety Spectrum should be driven first and foremost by public safety,” the website states. “ATSSA’s number one priority is advancing roadway safety, and our partnership with the Safety Spectrum Coalition will enable us to expand on that priority by meeting the many safety demands of those road users who rely on HAV’s of all types to meet their daily transportation needs,” ATSSA Chair Debra Ricker said. “We look forward to bringing ATSSA member innovation, products and technologies to the table to help meet the many demands of autonomous vehicles and their users, as they travel our nation’s roadways.” John Bozzella, president and CEO of Global Automakers said, “The Safety Spectrum Coalition is excited to welcome ATSSA as a partner in our efforts to deliver significant lifesaving benefits through connected car technology. ATSSA’s strong reputation for advancing roadway safety will further strengthen our Coalition’s advocacy efforts.” Other coalition partners include AAA, ITS America, Global Automakers, American Highway Users Alliance, American Trucking Associations and the National Safety Council.   American Traffic Safety Services Association www.atssa.com New in 2017: ATSSA State Government Relations Program In order to fulfill our mission and better serve our members, ATSSA has developed a state government relations program which seeks to involve local ATSSA chapters in the policy making and legislative process at all levels of government. Involve your local ATSSA chapter in the policy making and legislative process. Contact ATSSA today: Ashley Wieland, Director of State Government Relations ashley.wieland@atssa.com or 202-733-1483