Roadway flood warning devices, such as these lighted signs from Tapco, are one answer to increasingly unpredictable weather, and therefore, significant public safety issues. (Photo by Matt Dudlak)

The 118th annual International Municipal Signal Association public safety conference brought traffic engineers from across a broad region to the mountains of Arizona for education, networking
and to attend the 36th annual public safety school.

Reducing congestion and increasing first responder safety were among the initiatives that generated discussion and attracted vendors to the event. New technology that mounts to traffic signals and can even sense the presence of bicyclists in designated bike lanes impressed The Municipal Account Executive Matt Dudlak, who represented the magazine in Scottsdale, Ariz. Municipal fire alarm systems, street lighting and federal retro-reflectivity requirements and other public safety issues occupied the attention of traffic professionals who attended.

“This is the conference to attend to stay on the leading edge of traffic and public communication technology,” Dudlak said. The conference took place July 20–23.