Truck-Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) are indispensable for safeguarding highway work zones, where risks to workers and drivers are heightened due to high-speed traffic and complex conditions. By absorbing collision impacts, TMAs reduce the severity of accidents, protecting lives and minimizing project disruptions. At Western Highways Traffic Safety, our TMAs, including the industry-leading Scorpion model, have been deployed across numerous projects, demonstrating their effectiveness. According to the Federal Highway Administration, work zones saw 891 fatalities in 2022, underscoring the critical need for robust safety measures like TMAs. This comprehensive article presents five detailed case studies from diverse U.S. work zones, illustrating how our TMAs prevented accidents, saved lives, and delivered measurable benefits to contractors. Through these examples, we aim to provide actionable insights for construction companies seeking to enhance safety and efficiency.
Understanding the Role of TMAs
Before delving into the case studies, it’s essential to understand TMAs’ function. TMAs are mobile safety vehicles equipped with rear mounted crash cushions designed to absorb kinetic energy from colliding vehicles. Often called shadow vehicles or mobile safety buffers, they serve as a protective barrier between work crews and oncoming traffic. Western Highways Traffic Safety’s TMAs are MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware)-compliant, featuring high visibility chevrons, LED warning lights, and advanced attenuation technology. Moreover, their versatility makes them ideal for various applications, including highway construction, utility maintenance, and emergency response. These features ensure TMAs not only prevent injuries but also reduce project costs by minimizing delays and liabilities.
Case Study 1: California Highway Night Repair
In late 2023, a nighttime repair project on California’s I-5 utilized our Scorpion TMA during lane closures. The work zone, located in a high-traffic urban area, faced risks from distracted drivers. At 1 a.m., a sedan traveling at 60 mph veered into the work zone, striking the TMA. The crash cushion absorbed the impact, preventing injury to the driver and six nearby workers. Western Highways Traffic Safety’s TMA was equipped with LED lights and reflective chevrons, ensuring visibility in low light conditions. Post-incident analysis showed no structural damage to the TMA, allowing work to resume within hours. Consequently, the contractor avoided $100,000 in potential delay costs and legal liabilities, demonstrating the TMA’s cost effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Visibility Matters: LED lights and chevrons ensured the TMA was noticeable, even at night.
- Rapid Recovery: The TMA’s durability minimized downtime, saving costs.
- Worker Protection: The crash cushion safeguarded the crew, reinforcing TMA necessity.
Case Study 2: Oregon Bridge Maintenance
In spring 2024, a bridge maintenance project on Oregon’s I-84 deployed our TMA to protect workers during deck repairs. A semi-truck, distracted by road conditions, entered the work zone at 55 mph and collided with the TMA. The crash cushion reduced the impact, protecting three workers and preventing a multivehicle pileup. The TMA’s MASH-approved design ensured compliance with federal standards, and its smart alert system notified nearby traffic, averting further incidents. Western Highways Traffic Safety’s rental service allowed the contractor to deploy the TMA quickly, avoiding $200,000 in potential damages. Therefore, the project met its deadline, showcasing TMA reliability.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy-Duty Protection: The TMA withstood a semi-truck impact, proving its strength.
- Smart Technology: Alerts enhanced safety beyond the immediate work zone.
- Rental Efficiency: Quick deployment met urgent project needs.
Case Study 3: Nevada Emergency Roadwork
A 2024 emergency roadwork project in Nevada required rapid deployment of safety equipment after a highway spill. Western Highways Traffic Safety provided a rented TMA, which was struck by a speeding SUV within hours. The TMA’s energy absorbing technology minimized damage to both the vehicle and the work zone, protecting four workers. The contractor reported $50,000 in savings by avoiding delays and repairs. Furthermore, our flexible rental options (daily, weekly, monthly) ensured affordability for this short-term project, highlighting TMA accessibility for urgent needs.
Key Takeaways
- Cost Savings: Preventing delays saved significant expenses.
- Accessibility: Rentals provided immediate solutions for emergencies.
- Impact Mitigation: The TMA protected workers and equipment effectively.
Case Study 4: Arizona Utility Maintenance
In Arizona, a 2023 utility maintenance project in a busy urban corridor used our TMA to shield workers repairing power lines. A pickup truck collided with the TMA, but its smart technology, integrated with intelligent transport systems (ITS), alerted traffic via dynamic signs, preventing secondary crashes. The incident caused no injuries, and the project continued without interruption, saving $75,000 in potential costs. Western Highways Traffic Safety’s TMAs offer advanced features like ITS compatibility, setting them apart. For instance, this case reduced legal risks for the contractor, reinforcing TMA value.
Key Takeaways
- Smart Integration: ITS compatibility enhanced traffic management.
- Zero Downtime: The TMA ensured uninterrupted work.
- Liability Reduction: No injuries minimized legal exposure.
Case Study 5: Washington Highway Expansion
A 2024 highway expansion in Washington utilized a custom ordered TMA from Western Highways Traffic Safety. During a high traffic period, a vehicle struck the TMA, which protected workers and equipment, avoiding a $150,000 delay. Our fast build to-order process delivered the TMA in under two weeks, meeting tight project timelines. Additionally, the TMA’s durability ensured it remained operational post impact, showcasing our commitment to quality and efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Custom Solutions: Tailored TMAs met specific project needs.
- Fast Delivery: Quick turnaround supported project schedules.
- Durability: The TMA’s resilience maintained safety and progress.
Why Choose Western Highways Traffic Safety?
With the largest TMA inventory on the West Coast, Western Highways Traffic Safety offers MASH-compliant TMAs, flexible rentals, and custom orders. Our decade of expertise ensures reliable solutions, backed by a dedicated support team at (559) 394-7762. Plus, our limited lifetime warranties provide peace of mind, making us a trusted partner for contractors.
Conclusion
These case studies demonstrate the transformative impact of TMAs from Western Highways Traffic Safety in preventing accidents, saving costs, and protecting lives. From urban highways to emergency repairs, our TMAs deliver unmatched safety and efficiency. Ready to safeguard your work zone?
FAQs
1. How do TMAs prevent accidents in work zones?
TMAs absorb collision impacts, protecting workers and drivers by reducing crash severity.
2. What features make TMAs effective in real world scenarios?
LED lights, reflective chevrons, and MASH-approved crash cushions enhance visibility and safety.
3. Can TMAs be rented for short-term projects?
Yes, Western Highways Traffic Safety offers daily, weekly, and monthly TMA rentals for flexibility.
4. Are Western Highways Traffic Safety’s TMAs compliant with safety standards?
Our TMAs meet MASH standards, ensuring compliance with federal safety regulations.
5. How do TMAs save costs in work zones?
By preventing accidents, TMAs reduce delays, vehicle damage, and legal liabilities, saving thousands.
