3M launches North American roadshow for transportation safety

4080 3M Transportation Safety Division will showcase its road safety technology and innovation on a near 50-city roadshow across the U.S. and Canada. The tour aims to increase awareness and understanding of the infrastructure needed to help better protect motorists and prepare for autonomous vehicles (AVs). It will also highlight the importance of improving safety for drivers, pedestrians and road workers.

The tour will provide hands-on, in-person and virtual demonstrations of its technologies in a custom designed 18-wheel, 53-foot long truck.

Demonstrations include keeping signs clear from graffiti; understanding how fluorescent signs enhance the visibility of signs in dawn, dusk and harsh weather conditions and; using virtual reality to experience the possibilities of how AVs interact with traffic signs, work zones, and lane markings. In addition, the innovation Theater will host demonstrations on 3M technology from the driver’s seat while the Custom Sign Creation will showcase digital printing for personal signs.

John Riccardi, vice president and general manager, Transportation Safety Division, said: “3M has been committed to making roads as safe as possible for almost 80 years. Our roadshow tour will present innovative roadway and vehicle solutions to many of the problems that drivers face, such as reduced visibility due to inclement weather, night time driving, and the hazards encountered in work zones. The existing and future technologies showcased help make the driving experience safer for everyone.”