Equipping your fleet with the right crash truck is critical to safeguarding work zones and responding effectively to roadway incidents. A “crash truck”—often a heavy-duty pickup or chassis outfitted with a Truck-Mounted Attenuator (TMA) plus other safety systems—serves as both a mobile barrier and an incident response unit. To ensure you’re making the best choice, focus on the following key features that maximize protection, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
1. Certified Truck-Mounted Attenuator (TMA) System
A high-performance TMA is the cornerstone of any crash truck. Look for a unit that:
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Meets MASH TL-3 or TL-4 Standards – Capable of safely decelerating a 2,200-lb vehicle at 62 mph (TL-3) or 67 mph (TL-4) during impact .
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Quick-Change Modules – Allows field technicians to replace crushed cartridges in under an hour, minimizing downtime.
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Integrated Impact Sensors – Automatically log collisions and trigger maintenance alerts.
2. Advanced Arrow Board & Message Signage
Clear, dynamic messaging is essential for directing traffic safely around your crash truck. Prioritize:
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High-Intensity LED Arrow Boards – Visible in direct sunlight and in poor weather, with programmable patterns per CA MUTCD Part 6 .
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Full-Color Variable Message Signs (VMS) – Remotely update text and symbols to alert motorists of lane closures or detours.
3. Robust Lighting Package
Illuminating your work zone and crash truck itself reduces secondary collisions. Essential lighting includes:
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360° Warning Light Mast – Telescoping, with rotating beacons and strobe arrays for maximum visibility.
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Scene Floodlights – High-CRI LED fixtures mounted on outriggers to light large roadside areas during nighttime operations.
4. Onboard Telematics & Remote Monitoring
Real-time data helps you manage your crash truck fleet more effectively:
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GPS Tracking & Geofencing – Monitor location, enforce work-zone boundaries, and automatically log on-site time.
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Equipment Health Diagnostics – Wirelessly transmit TMA and lighting system status to maintenance teams, preventing unexpected failures.
5. Integrated Traffic-Control Tool Storage
A well-organized crash truck carries the tools you need without clutter:
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Lockable Drawer Systems – Store cones, delineators, and hand-held signs in weatherproof compartments.
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Fold-Down Work Surfaces – Provide a mobile command station for setting up plans or adjusting arrow-board patterns.
6. Heavy-Duty Chassis & Enhanced Braking
Your base vehicle must withstand repeated deployments and high-stress maneuvers:
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Commercial-Grade Suspension – Reinforced springs and shock absorbers to handle TMA weight and towing loads.
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Auxiliary Brake Systems – Engineered to arrest a struck attenuator truck safely after a collision, per SAE J2489 recommendations.
7. Safety & Comfort for Operators
Protect your crew and ensure compliance with OSHA standards:
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Remote-Controlled Deployment – Allow operators to position and retract the TMA from inside the cab or from a protected console.
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Ergonomic Access Steps – Non-slip surfaces and handrails for safe entry and exit under all conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What crash test level (TL) do I need for highway work zones?
A: High-speed freeways typically require TL-3 or TL-4 attenuators. Caltrans mandates TL-3 for most state highway work zones.
Q: How often should TMA modules be inspected and serviced?
A: Perform daily visual inspections and monthly functional tests. Replace cartridges after any impact or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines (typically every 5–7 years).
Q: Can I retrofit my existing truck with these features?
A: Yes. Many manufacturers offer retrofit kits for TMAs, arrow boards, and lighting packages compatible with common chassis models.
Q: What training do operators need?
A: Operators must complete Caltrans-approved TMA training and MUTCD temporary traffic control certification to ensure safe and compliant deployments.
Q: How quickly can I deploy a modern crash truck?
A: With practice and remote-control systems, a trained operator can move, position, and activate all major systems in under five minutes.
Conclusion
Selecting the right crash truck is about more than just compliance—it’s about investing in safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. When you combine certified safety systems, ergonomic design, and smart fleet technology, you’re better prepared to protect both workers and motorists.
Western Highways Traffic Safety offers turnkey crash truck solutions—from chassis selection to complete system integration and ongoing support.
Contact Us to Learn More:
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Phone: +1 (559) 785-1400
- Website: www.westernhighwaystrafficsafety.com
