New standards command attention

On Oct. 1, 2000, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements went into effect that mandated that all new Category 1 and Category 2 traffic control devices be "crashworthy" in accordance with the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350, or NCHRP 350. All Category 1 and 2 devices - new or already in use - must conform to crashworthy standards by Jan. 1, 2002. For a traffic control device to be deemed "crashworthy," it must not pose significant risk of injury to either the motorist/passengers or to a roadway worker should it be hit. In the past, traditional devices, such as sign/sign stand systems, have, on occasion, entered the passenger compartment of a vehicle upon impact and caused serious injury and death to motorists and passengers.