A Shot Across the Bow: NMA E-Newsletter #645

A number of recent NMA e-newsletters and national email alerts to members have focused on the seismic event brewing with the national standard for traffic control devices: The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) proposed federal rule to massively overhaul the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Among the myriad recommendations are changes to speed zoning […]

The Push to Curtail Driving

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the government’s massive document that controls the application of regulatory devices like stop signs, crosswalk markings, and traffic lights. The MUTCD, last updated in 2009, is the current subject of a proposed federal rule by the FHWA. The sweeping revisions suggested by […]

Drive 55 Everywhere . . . Or Less

Speed limits are about to become limitless as in, whatever those who set them say they are. This has always been true, to an extent in that all speed limits are, to a degree, arbitrary. People are subject to a ticket, i.e., being extorted by armed government workers, acting on behalf of the government simply […]

All Hands on Deck: NMA E-Newsletter #640

In Equity and Sustainability, NMA E-Newsletter #637, we noted the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) introduction of a proposed federal rule that would constitute the first major revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) since 2009. Major is putting it lightly, and lightly is not how we can afford to treat it. The […]

Equity and Sustainability: NMA E-Newsletter #637

Those are the buzzwords used frequently by city transportation officials as they seek to achieve “complete streets” nirvana. Before we attempt to define the overused terms, it is essential to know why they are more in vogue now in transportation and urban planning circles than ever before. In December, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) proposed […]

Driving in America: Musings from Arizona’s Interstate 17

By NMA Arizona Member Rod Harris For 15 years, I have commuted at least once a week between the greater Phoenix area and Flagstaff, AZ, roughly 130 miles each way, on Interstate 17. In my experience, the average speed was more or less the speed limit, when and where that limit is 75 mph. Of course, […]

The Selling of a Narrative

By Gary Biller, NMA President Editor’s Note: This post first appeared as a weekly E-Newsletter #591 from May 2020 and it was only sent to NMA members. If you would like to receive this weekly email, consider joining the NMA today. The media has never shied away from peddling stories that sell. Often in doing […]

Hammer Down! Highway Speed Limits Increase in Arkansas

By Thomas Beckett, Arkansas NMA Member Initially, I had wanted to write my next post on how Amendment 100 would be implemented. This amendment entails casino gambling and how those casino taxes will be assessed and distributed to support highway funding. Instead of how the casino taxes will help fund infrastructure in Arkansas, I decided […]

The Selling of a Narrative: NMA E-Newsletter #591

By Gary Biller, NMA President The media has never shied away from peddling stories that sell. Often in doing so, the truth gets kicked to the curb or run over. Such is the case in the current lockdown climate where sensationalistic headlines scream that 100+ mph super speeders are taking advantage of less-crowded roads across […]

Do Vision Zero Programs equal more Traffic Accidents?

By Shelia Dunn, NMA Communications Director Editor’s Note: This post first appeared as Newsletter #559 on September 29, 2019. This post includes a few updates. Many cities and states around the country have adopted a Vision Zero program which strives for zero traffic deaths, usually by a specific year. Some of the oldest programs, though, […]