Road & Transportation Safety Center

The transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) like battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HFCEVs) increases road wear due to their heavier weight. A study* highlights that BEVs cause a 20-40% increase in road wear, while HFCEVs cause a 6% increase, leading to higher maintenance costs. Mitigation strategies include setting weight limits, adding axles, constructing higher-standard roads, and developing lighter battery technology. Investing in durable pavement markings is also crucial to handle the increased wear.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) operates 18,600 lane miles of state highways. Maintaining quality signage throughout the state is a key part of ensuring that the motoring public travels safely and efficiently.

Over the years, vehicles have evolved, modes of transportation have diversified, and the needs of road users have become more varied. To keep up with the shifting requirements of the people navigating our roads, traffic sign manufacturers and Department of Transportation (DOT) sign shops have adapted their processes to be more flexible and efficient.

In rainy, nighttime conditions, the pavement markings that define lanes can become difficult to see. Learn how pavement marking visibility plays a major role in helping drivers navigate, stay in their lanes, and get home safely.

Help reduce traffic accidents at intersections by using traffic signal backplates with retroreflective borders. Highly visible traffic lights can alert distracted drivers.

Modern low-beam headlights direct more light at the road, resulting in less light bouncing off road signs. Full-cube Type XI sign sheeting — a more efficient retroreflective sign sheeting — reflects more light to keep drivers safer at night.

For a traffic engineer, the safety of the motorists on their roads is a top priority. Motorists need reliable lane guidance to help keep them safe on roads – day or night and in all weather conditions. This is especially true for aging drivers and vehicles with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS.)

How to create safer road work zones for workers, drivers and pedestrians.

Learn how reflective tape can help protect your bottom line

Discover questions to ask yourself, the sign printer manufacturer, the ink supplier, the protective overlay manufacturer, and more.

Here are 3 trends which impact road signs & traffic safety.

An intro to the science & technology of traffic signs & how it impacts road safety.

Find out about the physics of retroreflectivity, why luminance is an important performance measurement for signs, how angularity affects sign visibility, and what defines ASTM sheeting types.

Studies show that upgrading to ASTM D4956 Type XI – compliant sheeting can help reduce crashes and has a positive cost-to-benefit ratio.

Learn about V2I communications and how V2I technology can help increase safety, enhance mobility, and enable roadways of the future.

Traffic sign fabrication and orientation matter in creating signs that reflect from different angles. Learn more about road sign orientation uniformity, the importance of sign visibility, and how high-performance sign sheeting can help.

Get high-visibility in the dark with 3M™ Reflective Tapes. Learn more about how applying reflective tapes can help prevent fatalities and keep employees, civilians, and your vehicles safe.