News Archives | TrafFix Devices Blog

Enhancing Road Safety with Immediate Impact Detection & Response Systems

By: Ken Haley | July 15, 2025July 15, 2025 | News | 0

Smart device communication has reshaped industries across the globe, and road safety is no exception. The rapid detection and timely response to roadside collisions can mean the difference between a quick repair and a tragic secondary crash. Roadside safety devices like crash cushions, guardrails, and signs are essential tools for minimizing harm, but their effectiveness depends on knowing when they have been compromised and acting quickly. This is precisely where advanced impact detection and alert systems are transforming the landscape of roadside safety.

Roadside safety devices like crash cushions, guardrails, and signs are essential tools for minimizing harm, but their effectiveness depends on knowing when they have been compromised and acting quickly.

Immediate notifications to maintenance crews not only save lives but also ensure that damaged safety equipment is replaced or repaired before it puts other motorists at risk. In a time when many transportation departments are juggling limited resources and high traffic volumes, having quick access to the right information is a game-changer for keeping roadways safe and infrastructure in working order. Consistent data flow supports faster decision-making, predictive maintenance, and ultimately safer roads for both drivers and workers.

Connected Work Zones: Real-Time Safety Management

Modern roadside safety systems address critical safety concerns that frequently arise in temporary and permanent roadway environments. Traditional methods of monitoring roadside safety devices have relied on manual checks and rudimentary alerting systems, posing significant risks due to delayed responses and inaccuracies in information.

Scorpion Blocker: Protecting Those Who Protect Us

By: Tom McKeown | June 4, 2025 | News | 0

Norwalk Fire Department Implements Highway Blocking Vehicle

In a significant stride toward enhancing firefighter safety, the Norwalk Fire Department has introduced a specialized highway blocking vehicle designed to safeguard crews during emergency responses on high-speed roadways such as I-95, the Merritt Parkway, and the Route 7 – the TrafFix Devices Scorpion blocker, a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA).

The Norwalk Fire Department's new blocker truck with the Scorpion attenuator in the deployed position. The driver can raise or lower the attenuator while sitting in the cab without needing to leave the safety of the vehicle. — The Norwalk Fire Department’s new blocker truck with the Scorpion Blocker attenuator in the deployed position. The driver can raise or lower the attenuator while sitting in the cab without needing to leave the safety of the vehicle.

Enhancing Public Safety with TrafFix Devices’ Block Axess System

By: Tom McKeown | January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 | News | 0

The Block Axess in use as the 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, TN.

Recently, the rise in vehicle-ramming attacks has underscored the critical need for robust security measures in public spaces. The tragic events highlighted in New Orleans and the alarming increase in vehicle-based terror incidents in Germany and Jacksonville, FL – bring this issue to the forefront. As event organizers and municipalities work to protect the public, innovative solutions like the Block Axess System by TrafFix Devices Inc. provide a practical and effective way to enhance public safety.

Understanding the Block Axess System

The Block Axess System is a modular, portable vehicle barrier designed to prevent unauthorized vehicular access to pedestrian zones, public gatherings, and critical infrastructure. Unlike traditional hostile vehicle mitigation systems and bollards, which can be cumbersome and are not moveable, Block Axess is engineered for both strength and ease of deployment, making it ideal for temporary and permanent applications.

Case Study: Sentinel Impact Tracker

By: Tom McKeown | December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 | News | 0

"Impact Detected!" This is an example of a selection of an email one receives when one of their Sentinel Impact Trackers has detected a possible impact from a vehicle.

TrafFix Devices Inc. has developed the Sentinel Impact Tracker to solve 2 specific issues facing Departments of Transportation, Road Operators, Turnpike Authorities, and Municipalities.

How do they know when their crash cushions and other fixed roadway devices have been struck by a car or truck?
How do they know the number of crash devices they have in the field, their type, where they are placed and geographic conditions?

Using the Sentinel’s various capabilities, users can solve these problems. The Sentinel Impact Tracker and its dashboard allows users to know where their devices are at all times and get immediate notification of an impact – all from a computer or mobile device.

Understanding the Differences Between Longitudinal Channelizing Devices and Positive Protection Barriers

By: Tom McKeown | October 25, 2024October 25, 2024 | News | 0

When it comes to maintaining safety on highways and construction zones, it’s crucial to select the right traffic control devices. Two common types of barriers are longitudinal channelizing devices (LCDs), such as the TrafFix Water-Wall™, and positive protection barriers, such as the TrafFix Water-Cable Barrier™. These devices are also commonly referred to as plastic Jersey Walls, plastic Jersey barriers and water jersey walls. While they may seem similar at first glance, these devices and barriers serve distinct functions and are used in different applications depending on the level of protection needed.

Key Features & Applications of Roll-Up Signs

By: Tom McKeown | October 9, 2024October 9, 2024 | News | 0

This week we return to our feature of Roll-up Signs with part 2 of our 3 part roll-up sign series. You can read part 1 of the series here.

Key Features of Roll-Up Signs

Portability

One of the main advantages of roll-up signs is their portability. Because they are made from flexible materials like vinyl or mesh, these signs can be easily rolled up and stored in compact spaces. This makes them ideal for work crews that need to move between locations quickly or for emergency response teams that require fast deployment.

HV2 FAQ with Ken Haley

By: Ken Haley | October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 | News | 0

Today’s guest author is Ken Haley. Ken is our resident expert on all things workzone safety and impact attenuation. In today’s post, we asked Ken to answer the most frequently asked questions he and our sales team receive about the MASH Eligible HV2 TL-4 steel barrier.

Choosing the Right Roll Up Signs for Temporary Traffic Control

By: Tom McKeown | September 24, 2024October 9, 2024 | News | 0

When it comes to maintaining safety on roadways, especially during construction or emergency situations, effective communication with drivers is essential. One of the most versatile and widely used tools for temporary traffic control is the roll-up sign. These signs are designed for quick deployment, portability, and visibility, making them a vital part of any traffic management plan. Let’s explore the features, benefits, and specific uses of roll-up signs and why they are essential for roadway safety.

What Are Roll-Up Signs?

Roll-up signs are temporary traffic control signs made from flexible materials that can be rolled up for easy storage and transport. Unlike rigid signs, they are designed for quick installation and removal, making them ideal for short-term road work or emergency situations where immediate traffic management is required. They are typically mounted on collapsible sign stands and come in a variety of shapes, colors, and messages.

Signs can be Mesh, Non-Reflective Vinyl, or Reflective Vinyl – with varying levels of intensity.

Exploring Different Barricades and Their Uses on Roadways

By: Tom McKeown | September 19, 2024September 20, 2024 | News | 0

Road safety is critical, especially during construction, maintenance, or emergency situations. Barricades play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of workers, pedestrians, and drivers by guiding and controlling traffic effectively. TrafFix Devices, a leader in traffic safety products, offers a range of barricades tailored for different needs. Let’s explore the types of barricades and their specific uses on roadways.

The Run up to the Los Angeles Olympics

By: Tom McKeown | August 12, 2024May 9, 2025 | News | 0

As Olympic fever cools down, some eagle eyed viewers might have noticed the Block Axess heavy vehicle mitigation system deployed around the Olympic village to protect athletes and spectators alike. Event organizers are more wary than ever of “hazardous vehicle attacks” putting the lives of pedestrians at risk.

The Block Axess Hostile Vehicle Mitigation System protecting the perimeter of the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games held in Paris, France.

This has caused cities, municipalities and private enterprise to seek vehicle mitigation devices. Hostile vehicle mitigation is an essential strategy in today’s world to counteract the increasing threat of vehicle attacks and negligent driving. Hostile vehicles, weaponized for targeting individuals, buildings, or crowded places, pose a significant risk. However, the implementation of Block Axess can fortify public spaces and vital infrastructure against such threats.