IMSA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT VANCE GONZALES

[国外交通期刊数据库]

摘要:Co-founded by Vance Gonzales, a Product Support Engineer with Iteris, the SmartCycle Bike Indicator™ provides agencies with a new method for improving signal timing and enhancing bicycle safety.The device mounts onto traffic signal poles and automatically illuminates when a cyclist has successfully been detected at the intersection. As a result, cyclists can be assured that they will be given sufficient green time to safely get through the intersection and no longer have to dismount in busy, dangerous roadways to push the pedestrian walk button or take high-risk actions that may result in a crash.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Daniel Michalak

摘要:The past couple months have been very busy. Well, if you want to be more involved, here are just some items that the Board of Directors, Strategic Committee and Council of Delegates had on the agenda. The Board of Directors had their mid-winter meeting via Zoom. Invited Guests included, Council of Delegates Leadership Guy Petinga and Timothy Soverino. Audit Committee Chair, Craig MacKenzie, and member, Jan Siedler. The IMSA Investment Advisors updated us on the status of the portfolio, which did very well in 2020. Other reports and discussions were as follows: Financials Presentation, Section Charter Adoption, ATSSA Foundation Scholarship, Life Membership Requests, Online Certification, IMSA Business Model, 2021 Forum and Expo, IMSA Membership Structure, IMSA Mobile app, Strategic Plan, EAC Report, Certification Update, Membership & Marketing Update, and Executive Directors Update. The Strategic Committee also met, which included members of the BOD, COD, plus staff. Goals were Thinking Strategically, Prioritization then Prioritize, Introduction to Strategic Focus Areas, and Develop IMSA Strategic Plan. There were many areas of discussion, and at times the Committee split into groups. The Vision for IMSA finally came to light! The next step was to have a Council of Delegates meeting for discussion and approval of a plan for the Board of Directors.

900 MHZ WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: THE EASY PATH TO HIGHER SPEEDS

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Ryan O'Connor

摘要:For years, devices that communicated on the 900 MHz band using frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology via serial or FSK connections dominated and made wireless in the traffic signal world possible. These devices were once state-of-the-art, providing a new level of connectivity and control. Needing infrastructure where physical cabling could not be quickly implemented or was simply not an option. Many of these deployments have now been out in the field for 20+ years. Like all things in life, needs have changed, and bandwidth requirements have increased. Today, the question is, how can existing infrastructure be utilized and adapt to more demanding applications while keeping expenses at a minimum? There are a few options for upgrading this type of infrastructure, but they come with some pros and cons. First, we could completely replace the existing system with higher bandwidth devices such as broadband radios operating at a higher frequency. Upgrading existing infrastructure would require replacing all the equipment along with, at least, a likely partial shutdown of the intersection.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CROSSWALK SCHOOL ZONE SYSTEMS with Preventative Maintenance

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Brian Scharles

摘要:Most communities safeguard vulnerable road users by investing a significant amount of resources into their pedestrian crosswalk and school zone safety systems. However, simply installing those systems is not enough. Communities must also protect their investments with preventative maintenance activities like electrical and mechanical inspections and routine system testing. Without that maintenance, safety systems could be damaged or even non-operational without local traffic safety professionals even knowing - until it's too late. Unsurprisingly, being proactive by conducting quality maintenance inspections and service work has multiple lifesaving and money-saving benefits. Maximum safety: When pedestrian crosswalk and school zone systems break down, the safety of all road users is at risk. Preventing breakdowns before they happen thereby protects lives and drastically reduces liability. Equipment lifecycle optimization: Taking care of a system's health through preventative maintenance ensures it operates smoothly for as long as possible, often years longer than it would without the right maintenance plan and execution. Less costly in the long run: Of course, a longer lifecycle means replacing systems far less often, which protects agencies' initial investments and saves money in the long run, so agencies can stretch their budget further.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Toby Cummings

摘要:Over time, the standard "return" key on a typewriter has changed to the "enter" key on our keyboards. However, many modern keyboards today include an arrow located down and to the left, a reminder of the key's original intent. Striking this key takes your cursor to begin a new paragraph or sentence at the start of the left margin. You are "returning" to where you were previously before you ran out of thought. Or, in the days of yore, when you ran out of room on the physical paper in the typewriter. As April comes into focus, I find a sense of return happening in life. A rather slow return like the IBM Selectric made when you struck "return" and the carriage moved down and to the left, but a return. This past month brought the return of many things that bring me great joy. The return of March Madness in college basketball, where once again my bracket busts days in and crushes my annual dream of winning it all. The return of Opening Day in MLB Baseball, a reminder of how slow the game's nine full innings are. Regardless, the option to buy a ticket and see the Rays play the Rangers in-person at a major league ballpark was thrilling enough. This past month I returned to traveling and witnessed the return of in-person IMSA certification courses conducted by our Central IMSA Section in Kansas. Along with this, the various online IMSA courses being offered have brought the return of activity around the International Office. We are once again processing and sending out new IMSA certifications to public safety workforce professionals.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Toby Cummings

摘要:Imagine it is 2070, you are tuning in your radio or blinking twice to change the streaming service chip implanted in your head, and you come across an "oldies station." What do you imagine you will hear as the music plays? How about September by Earth Wind and Fire. Maybe Don't Stop Believing by Journey, or Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks. Certainly, you will still be hearing Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. Each of these songs has something in common when you look at their time and rotation on the charts and music streaming. They have what chart analysts call "Staying Power." The ability to be timeless classics that most listeners do not mind hearing in rotation several times a month. As I look at the 125 years that IMSA will be celebrating this month in Columbus, Ohio, the concept of staying power certainly comes to mind. Associations and businesses come and go. Many are relevant and needed for a short time (even a hundred years) but eventually are no longer in demand or provide value where one chooses to spend their time and money. Blockbuster Video, Kodak, Pan Am, Hummer, and Radio Shack. These are a few businesses that come to mind that eventually lacked staying power. I promise you there are just as many, if not more, nonprofit associations that disappear into the night regularly.

MONICA LOMELI

[国外交通期刊数据库]

摘要:Recently, I joined the IMSA Team in June 2021 as the Certification Renewal Coordinator. My responsibilities include providing support and service to those seeking to renew their certifications. I've always been passionate about helping people and this opportunity allows me to do so, just in a different capacity than I'm used to. I received my Master's in Social Work and Master's in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. My experiences thus far have been primarily related to social services (workforce, hospice, community & program development, etc.). So, moving over to Public Safety has been a bit of a learning curve for me. Thankfully, I get to work with such wonderful people who continuously provide their support and share their expertise as they guide me in my new role.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Kevin Musick

摘要:Well folks, it's that time of year again when we moved the clocks back one hour. I am not a fan of this and hope that someday we as a nation will leave the time set permanently one way or the other.During our Nov. 7 Section Leadership Update I said, "Good things take time." I believe this to be true, however, it is also important that we realize that the longer it takes to finalize our certification courses the more impact it will have on our organization. So, time is of the essence!I MSA is very close to the completion of the first five certification courses that will be offered to individuals to further their knowledge, education, and safety skills in the public safety field. The Board of Directors has already approved the process for the next five certification courses. As the end of the year approaches, it is IMSA's goal to offer the first five certifications in early 2023.

MANUAL ON Uniform Traffic Control Devices(MUTCD)

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Joanne Conrad

摘要:The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) defines the national standard for design, installation and use of signage, pavement markings and signals for all traffic systems in the United States. To be effective, a traffic control device should meet five basic requirements:1.Fulfill a need 2.Command attention 3.Convey a clear, simple meaning 4.Command respect from road users 5.Give adequate time for proper response The MUTCD is the law "governing all traffic control devices." Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 655.603 states that the MUTCD is the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel. When traffic control devices are installed on a federal aid project, the Code of Federal Regulations requires those devices to comply with the national MUTCD before the road can be opened or reopened to the public for unrestricted use. Non-compliance with the MUTCD ultimately can result in the loss of federal-aid funds as well as in a significant increase in tort liability.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

[国外交通期刊数据库] 作者:Toby Cummings

摘要:On Nov. 16 at approximately 1:47 am a very large piece of technology lifted off the ground a little over six miles from my home. The night sky to the east looked like a premature sunrise as the main engines and solid boosters of the NASA Artemis 1 propelled the rocket at over 20,000 mph on a trajectory to circle the moon a few times and eventually return the test capsule to earth. If you do not reside around central Florida where the IMSA International HQ is located, or you are not a space geek, much of what I just wrote about seems trivial. But as I stood in my front yard watching this at that crazy hour, I was comforted that almost all in my neighborhood were also out with me depriving themselves of much-needed sleep. Because my house is located just a few miles from the Kennedy Space Center, 90% of the folks in the small subdivision work in space technology or at the center itself. Many are on the Artemis project and have been for several years. Last night they saw one more notch in the post measuring progress. However, there is a debate among the "rocket science" community as to the Artemis' prevalent use of much older outdated technology that was used back in shuttle launches and even prior. Space-X is also next door and uses much newer technology in its launch systems. So, after four previous scrubs due to systems issues, you can imagine what that debate sounded like on evening walks around the block. All this to say, before I could get any real sleep last night, the experience I just had reminded me much of IMSA today.