ATSSA Signal Sept/Oct 2018

American Traffic Safety Services Association 6 Government Relations ATSSA’s state government relations update A handful of states are pushing for policies that increase transportation funding and advance roadway safety. While the topics vary from increased registration fees to reducing speed limits in work zones, the overarching goal is the same—to eliminate injuries and deaths on our nation’s roadways. Look out for these state bills and others that ATSSA is tracking this legislative session in ATSSA’s biweekly e-newsletter, the Roadway Safety Advocate. And get active—want to advocate for roadway safety at the state level and share your story and expertise with legislators? Contact ATSSA’s Director of State Government Relations Ashley Wieland at ashley.wieland@atssa.com , to coordinate an ATSSA Advocacy Day in your state. Arizona HB2166 – Passed – This bill will create a new vehicle registration fee dedicated to funding high- way patrol at the state Department of Public Safety. The fee, estimated at about $18 for all types of vehicles, will bring in about $149 million per year to pay for highway patrol costs, according to the legislature’s budget analysts. Massachusetts S2569 – In Progress – This bill would give the Massachusetts Department of Transportation the authority to establish a lower speed limit in an active construction zone without conducting an engineering study. The bill would also allow for speeding fines to be doubled if in an active work zone. The bill passed out of the Senate by unanimous vote and is awaiting consideration from the House Ways and Means Committee. Vermont H917 – Passed – This bill includes work zone workers under the definition of “vulnerable user” and states that the operator of a motor vehicle approaching or passing a stationary mainte- nance vehicle will reduce speed and increase clearance to a recommended distance of at least 4 feet to pass the vehicle safely. A person who violates this shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200. Indiana SB265 – Passed – This bill pertains to studying intersection safety. It urges the legislative council to assign a committee the task of studying safety at certain intersections not controlled by a traffic signal. Intersection crashes often occur when driver error creates an unexpected need for increased friction demand to serve as a “speed countermeasure,” like the High Friction Sur- face Treatments (HFST) that ATSSA members supply and install on high-curve roads.