ATSSA Signal Nov/Dec 2018

American Traffic Safety Services Association 26 ATSSA is vocalizing member needs and concerns at a series of meetings and workshops run by the Federal High- way Administration (FHWA), designed to open discussion between stakehold- ers within the transportation industry on key issues and challenges related to highway automation. Earlier this year, FHWA announced the agency would be holding events across the United States that focus on the key areas of planning and policy, digital in- frastructure and data, freight, opera- tions, and infrastructure design and safety. “ATSSA is heavily invested in communi- cating with outside public agencies, auto manufacturers, the roadway safety and infrastructure industry and the trans- portation community as a whole,” said ATSSA Director of New Programs Brian Watson. “The series of events focused on highway automation are prime op- portunities to vocalize our safety initia- tives and to ensure roadway safety is a priority throughout the string of con- versations that are occurring as wemove to an automated future. ATSSA has stressed the importance of minimum standard guidance of traffic control de- vices, roadside infrastructure, and up- dates to national standards and regula- tions, and digital infrastructure, as these focal points increase safety on our na- tion’s roadways.” During the first event focused on policy and planning, attendees gathered to share information on the current state of Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) technology, infrastructure readiness, and the policy implications of introduc- ing these new technologies. The secondmeeting held in early August focused on data, digital infrastructure, and what role this information would play in preparing for CAVs. Long and short-term goals, the roles of local, state, and federal agencies, and national part- nership modes were included in that dialogue. There were critical conversations relat- ed to the digital infrastructure and how Automation dialogues Stakeholders meet with FHWA to discuss highway automation The Federal Highway Administration is hosting dialogues in several meetings across the country to discuss issues and challenges related to highway automation with industry stakeholders. Innovation & New Programs