Busy intersections, high-speed crossings, and stops around sharp curves can pose serious danger to drivers and pedestrians – especially at night and in rain, snow, or fog. Whether posted on highways or back roads, in suburban neighborhoods or city streets, traffic safety signs communicate warnings, directions and other essential information. And while these signs do not have to be lit to be effective, lights certainly help make drivers more aware of them and improve traffic control.

With the lifting of most COVID restrictions, people are eager to get out and enjoy all that summer has to offer. The array of outdoor fairs, flea markets, parades, sporting events, and concerts, coupled with employees returning to the workplace, is resulting in more traffic – both vehicular and pedestrian – than we’ve seen in a very long time.

Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start of summer – and the kickoff of the busy season when it comes to construction work. This time of year, construction productivity increases in cities and towns across the country, with crews taking advantage of warmer weather and more hours of daylight.

In the 10 years since the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility for people with disabilities has become the norm in cities and towns across the country. Providing ease of access to the disabled in public spaces is the responsibility of state and local governments as well as businesses and organizations, large and small.

One of the most visible signs of the impact of the ADA’s guidelines is the increased  number of handicap parking spots found in commercial and public parking areas. Adding accessible parking is one step government agencies, businesses and privately run facilities can take to ensure people with disabilities are able to work and participate in programs, services or activities, both indoors and out.

Commercial parking lots and garages must be accessible to everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, was created to ensure that public places across the country are accessible for people with disabilities.

ADA compliance is essential for every property manager, and includes making sure public parking lots meet the guidelines set by the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Creating an ADA compliant parking lot is crucial for providing ample access to every individual, and it requires proper sizing, placement and marking of parking spaces reserved for those who need them.

Sign posts and supports play a critical role in maintaining traffic safety. But even the best signage will not protect drivers or pedestrians if it is not properly supported and maintained. This is especially important during the winter, when severe weather, snow removal equipment, and traffic accidents can lead to an increased number of downed or damaged signs.

The worldwide impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented. Here at home, restrictions are slowly being lifted and people are resuming everyday activities after nearly three months of lockdown.

In order to support our customers during this difficult time, Traffic Safety Direct pivoted to provide essential safety and social distancing-related products ranging from protective face masks to custom signs. As cities, businesses, and organizations reopen or prepare to restart, we are continuing to address their need to create and maintain safe environments for their customers, residents, and workers – both indoors and out.

We are seeing increased demand for traffic cones and delineator posts, barricades, and various types of signage from hospitals as well as local organizations involved in setting up and managing coronavirus testing sites. Businesses and municipalities that have had to adjust their hours or limit car and pedestrian access to buildings, schools, parking lots, and parks because of social distancing restrictions are also in need of signs and safety products.

Thousands of pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle traffic accidents each year, and many thousands more are injured. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes in traffic crashes in 2017, which is more than 16 people a day.

Pedestrian safety is a top priority in cities, towns and communities across the country. From posting signs with flashing lights at crosswalks to installing speed bumps to reduce vehicle speeds in areas frequented by pedestrians and cyclists, the focus is on increasing visibility at street crossings and alerting motorists to slow down.

Visible signs indicating detours are a vital tool for preventing accidents and injury, not only for drivers, but for students, faculty, employees, visitors, and construction crews. Learn how to keep compliant.