The Benefits of Having a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) on Your Road Construction Job

Road construction and maintenance projects are a necessary part of keeping our infrastructure safe and functional. However, they also come with inherent risks, especially for workers in active construction zones. To reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety for both workers and motorists, road construction sites and temporary traffic control zones must implement proper traffic control measures. One such measure that has become increasingly popular and effective is the Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA).

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of implementing a Truck Mounted Attenuator on road construction sites or temporary traffic control zones and why it should be an essential part of your safety plan.

What Is a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA)?

A Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) is a safety device mounted on the rear of a vehicle (usually a truck) that is used to protect road workers and equipment from errant vehicles that may crash into a work zone. TMAs are designed to absorb the impact of a collision, reducing the likelihood of injury or fatality for workers and minimizing damage to expensive construction equipment.

The TMA typically consists of a large energy-absorbing material housed within a frame, which is deployed at the rear of the truck. When a vehicle strikes the TMA, the energy from the collision is absorbed by the device, significantly reducing the force of the impact on both the driver of the errant vehicle and anyone working in or around the construction zone.

Key Benefits of Using a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA)

1. Enhanced Worker Safety

The primary benefit of using a TMA on road construction sites or traffic control zones is the enhanced protection it offers to workers. In active construction zones, workers are often in close proximity to traffic, which increases the likelihood of accidents. By placing a TMA at the rear of a construction vehicle, you create a safety buffer between workers and the vehicles traveling through the work zone.

In the event of a rear-end collision, the TMA absorbs the impact, preventing or significantly reducing injuries to workers who are working nearby. This is particularly important in high-speed or high-traffic areas, where a sudden impact could be fatal without the proper protection.

2. Reducing Vehicle Damage

A TMA is designed to absorb the energy from a collision, which means that it can significantly reduce the damage to the vehicle involved in the accident. Instead of the vehicle crashing directly into construction equipment or barriers, the TMA serves as a cushion that helps to dissipate the force, protecting both the vehicle and the equipment.

This is a critical benefit not only for safety but also for reducing downtime caused by damaged vehicles or equipment. With a TMA in place, construction operations can continue without delays due to accidents that result in vehicle or equipment damage.

3. Improved Public and Driver Safety

While the TMA is primarily designed to protect workers, it also plays a key role in protecting the general public and drivers passing through the work zone. Drivers are often distracted, and accidents in work zones can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially at high speeds. A TMA can significantly reduce the severity of accidents that might otherwise occur if a vehicle veers off course or fails to stop in time.

By cushioning the impact between the vehicle and the construction zone, the TMA minimizes the risk of a more severe collision that could lead to injury or death. This added protection helps to keep both construction workers and the traveling public safer.

4. Cost-Effective Safety Measure

While the initial cost of implementing a TMA might seem high, it is a relatively cost-effective safety measure when you consider the potential costs of workplace accidents. Accidents in construction zones can result in workers’ compensation claims, legal costs, increased insurance premiums, and damage to property. Additionally, the downtime caused by accidents can lead to delays in project completion, which can be costly.

A TMA, as part of an overall traffic safety plan, can help prevent such incidents and reduce these potential costs. By improving worker safety and reducing the risk of accidents, a TMA is a smart investment for any road construction project or temporary traffic control zone.

5. Flexibility and Versatility

Another key benefit of a Truck Mounted Attenuator is its flexibility. TMAs can be used in a wide range of situations, from highway roadwork to urban construction zones, and even in temporary traffic control setups. Since they are mounted on trucks, they can be easily relocated as the construction zone changes or as traffic patterns shift.

For projects that involve dynamic or rapidly changing work zones, such as those with shifting lanes or temporary road closures, TMAs offer the versatility to adjust traffic control measures quickly and effectively. This makes them an ideal solution for projects that may not have a fixed or permanent setup.

6. Compliance with Safety Regulations

Many local, state, and federal regulations require certain safety measures to be in place on road construction sites. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and other relevant safety guidelines often recommend or require the use of TMAs in certain types of construction zones, particularly those on highways or areas with high-speed traffic. Implementing a TMA ensures that your project complies with these safety regulations and reduces the risk of fines or legal issues related to non-compliance.

By using TMAs, you can demonstrate your commitment to worker safety and traffic control, making sure that your construction project adheres to industry standards and best practices.

7. Increased Visibility and Awareness

Many TMAs are equipped with high-visibility features, such as reflective strips and lights, making them visible even in low-light or nighttime conditions. This increased visibility helps both drivers and workers stay aware of potential hazards in the work zone. The TMA itself acts as a mobile warning device, signaling to approaching drivers that they are approaching a work zone where extra caution is required.

With the added visibility, drivers are more likely to slow down and take the necessary precautions when approaching a construction area. This can contribute to an overall safer environment for both workers and the traveling public.

Conclusion

Implementing a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) on road construction sites and temporary traffic control zones offers a wide range of safety benefits. From protecting workers to minimizing vehicle damage, improving public safety, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, TMAs are a crucial component of any modern traffic control plan.

Not only do TMAs provide physical protection in the event of an accident, but they also contribute to a more organized, safer, and cost-effective roadwork operation. For construction projects of all sizes, the addition of a TMA should be a priority to help ensure that safety is always the top priority for everyone involved.

Contact Us Today, and we’ll provide you with information and pricing on our full fleet of Truck Mounted Attenuators!