Business View Magazine - Dec 2023

OPENING LINES Source- www.americancityandcounty.com, Andy Castillo, First Published Dec 20th, 2023 For the first time since 2009, the Federal Highway Administration has updated its “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD),” which is the standard for traffic signs, signals and pavement markings that’s used by transportation officials as they consider roadway safety and emerging technologies. The national standard aims to create a uniform and predictable environment for people who walk, bike, and drive. “‘The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices’ is a vitally important guidebook that affects safety on countless roads around the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this long-awaited update to the MUTCD, we are helping our state and local partners make it safer to walk, bike, and drive, and embracing new technologies with the potential to make our transportation system safer and more efficient.” The11theditionof themanual reflects changes in the way Americans travel that have taken place since its last update. A statement about the publication notes it also streamlines processes and makes permanent a number of traffic control device applications that previously required special approval. For the first time, it iincludes pedestrian safety enhancements such as the rectangular rapid-flashing beacon and crosswalk marking patterns that are proven to be more visible. FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION UPDATES TRAFFIC SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A DECADE 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12