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Every day, lives are lost or forever altered due to traffic crashes. In 2021, nearly 4,300 people lost their lives on California roads–that’s an average of 12 fatalities each day. These aren’t just statistics– they represent real people, families and communities left to grieve. The need for safer roads is more urgent than ever. To tackle this issue, California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has adopted the Safe System Approach, a strategy focused on reducing traffic fatalities and injuries through improved planning, enforcement and education. At the same time, the Go Safely Movement is encouraging everyone–individuals, communities, and organizations–to get involved in promoting road safety. At North America Traffic, we’re committed to supporting these efforts by providing traffic control solutions that increase work zone safety, improve risk management and help traffic flow seamlessly. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a road system safer, how community-driven initiatives play a role and how North America Traffic is working to make roadways safer for all.

The Safe Systems Approach: A Comprehensive Solution

For years, road safety efforts have focused on individual responsibility, expecting drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to follow the rules and avoid mistakes. But human error is inevitable. Instead of blaming road users, the Safe System Approach is based on the idea that traffic fatalities and serious injuries can be prevented. This strategy, now utilized by California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), takes a broader view by designing a system that helps protect people, even when they make mistakes. The Safe System Approach is built on five key pillars:

1.     Safe Roads

Well-designed roads play a major role in reducing accidents. Features like better lighting, clearer signage, roundabouts, pedestrian islands and protected bike lanes make roads safer for everyone. Traffic control solutions, such as North America Traffic’s Portable Traffic Signals and Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs), also improve safety by managing vehicle flow, keeping both workers and drivers protected.

2.     Safe Speeds

Speed is one of the biggest factors in both the frequency and severity of crashes. Lower speeds reduce the impact of collisions, making serious injuries less likely. Enforcing speed limits, using automated speed detection and designing roads that encourage slower speeds–such as narrowing lanes or adding speed bumps–can help prevent accidents.

3.     Safe Vehicles

Modern cars come equipped with advanced safety features designed to reduce accidents. Lane departure warnings, automatic braking systems and collision detection technology all help drivers avoid mistakes. As vehicle technology continues to improve, these features will play an even bigger role in preventing crashes and saving lives.

4.     Safe Road Users

Educating people on road safety and promoting responsible behaviour is another key part of this approach. Campaigns like the Go Safely Movement raise awareness about distracted and impaired driving, while stricter laws and enforcement ensure that dangerous driving habits are addressed.

5.     Post-Crash Care

When crashes do happen, quick and effective emergency response can save lives. A well-prepared system ensures that victims receive immediate medical attention. This includes fast ambulance dispatch, well-trained first responders, and public education on how bystanders can help in emergencies.

By combining these five strategies, the Safe System Approach shifts the focus from blaming individuals to creating a transportation network designed to prevent deadly mistakes. With enhanced road designs, improved enforcement, safer vehicles and a strong emphasis on education and emergency response, this approach makes roads safer for everyone.

The Go Safely Movement: Encouraging Community Action

Road safety isn’t just up to government agencies and law enforcement–it requires everyone’s active involvement. That’s where the Go Safely Movement, launched by California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), comes in. This initiative encourages individuals and communities to take action for safer roads. The movement focuses on promoting responsible driving habits, raising awareness about work zone safety and empowering local communities to push for important infrastructure changes. One of the movement’s main goals is to remind drivers to practice driving safe behaviours, which is a key component of risk management. This includes staying within speed limits, avoiding distractions and always wearing seatbelts. Another major part of the Go Safely Movement involves improving work zone safety. Construction workers and maintenance crews are at high risk when working near traffic, especially in areas where drivers speed or ignore posted warnings. By supporting improved traffic control solutions, like portable traffic signals and AFADs, the movement helps protect workers and ensures drivers navigate construction zones more safely. Beyond individual action, the Go Safely Movement encourages communities to get involved. Traffic Safety Champions are everyday residents who can help identify dangerous intersections, support local safety projects and raise awareness about road safety in their neighbourhoods. When communities unite for change, they can advocate for improvements like better pedestrian crossings, lower speed limits in residential areas, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Anyone interested in being part of this change can sign up at GoSafelyCA.org.

North America Traffic: Providing Effective Traffic Control Solutions

At North America Traffic, we are committed to improving road safety through our range of traffic control devices. Our solutions are specifically designed to protect all road users, from work crews and motorists to pedestrians. Here’s a look at some of our traffic solutions that are helping drive change in the industry:

Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs)

Over 30 years ago, we created the RCF 2.4 Automated Flagger Assistance Device to address the risks faced by human flaggers. This device allows a single operator to manage traffic remotely, keeping them safely away from moving vehicles. Key features of RCF 2.4 include:

• Single-head, red/amber lenses: These lenses give clear signals to drivers.
• Highly reflective gate arm: Increases visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
• Manual remote control operation: Lets operators control traffic from a safe distance.

By using AFADs in work zones, agencies can reduce the risk to workers and improve the efficiency of traffic management.

Portable Traffic Signals

For more complex traffic control needs, our Portable Traffic Signals offer strong, adaptable solutions. Models like the PTL 2.4x and RCF 3.4 are designed for quick deployment in various situations, including work zones, intersections, and emergencies. These portable signals are built for durability and ease of use, ensuring they perform reliably in different conditions.

Driveway Assistance Devices/Residential Driveway Temporary Signals

When vehicles need to enter or exit work zones safely, our DAD 3.9 Driveway Assistance Device (DAD) or Residential Driveway Temporary Signal offers an effective solution. It helps manage vehicle access, reducing the risk of accidents between construction activities and public traffic.

Advanced Warning Flashers (AWF)

To warn drivers about changes in traffic patterns or possible hazards, the AWF 2.8 Advanced Warning Flasher provides clear and noticeable alerts, improving driver awareness and lowering the chances of accidents.

Portable Pedestrian Signals

Pedestrian safety is crucial, especially in areas affected by construction. Our PED 2.9 Portable Pedestrian Signal helps control pedestrian traffic, giving clear signals to walkers and integrating seamlessly with other traffic control systems.

How You Can Help Drive Change

While big changes take time, there are simple actions we can all take every day to make a difference. One of the most effective ways to help is by following the rules of the road. By driving at safe speeds, obeying traffic signals, and staying focused while behind the wheel, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. For pedestrians and cyclists, being visible, using crosswalks, and being aware of your surroundings are crucial for staying safe. Work zone safety is another area where everyone can make an impact. When you see a sign for roadwork ahead, slow down, follow the posted signs, and remain cautious. Using Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) in these zones can also help by reducing the need for manual flagging and ensuring that traffic flows safely. Raising awareness about road safety is essential too. Sharing information about the Go Safely Movement and the Safe System Approach can help change attitudes and promote safer behaviors on the road. Supporting policies that encourage responsible driving, advocating for better infrastructure, and participating in community safety initiatives are all effective ways to help create safer streets for everyone.

The Future of Road Safety: Moving Toward Zero Fatalities

Looking ahead, the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities may seem ambitious, but it is within reach. By embracing new technologies, adopting the Safe System Approach, and raising awareness about road safety, we can make real progress in saving lives. The use of portable traffic signals and AFADs is just one example of how we can improve road safety and enhance risk management. As more communities implement innovative solutions and work together to tackle traffic management challenges, the vision of zero fatalities becomes more achievable. At North America Traffic, we are dedicated to helping make this vision a reality. Our top-quality traffic control solutions are designed to enhance work zone safety and reduce risks for both drivers and workers. Through ongoing innovation and collaboration, we can create a future where safer roads are the standard, not the exception. To learn more about how North America Traffic can support safety on your next project, visit our product page or contact us today.