U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

May 13, 2020 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST-1/WZ-390 

Mr. John Pasakarnis 

Dicke Safety Products 

1201Waren Ave. 

Downers Grove, IL 60515 

Dear Mr. Pasakarnis: 

This letter is in response to your August 2, 2019 request for the Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA) to review a roadside safety device, hardware, or system for eligibility for reimbursement 

under the Federal-aid highway program. This FHWA letter of eligibility is assigned FHWA 

control number WZ-390 and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by FHWA that expressly 

references this device. 

Decision 

The following device is eligible within the length-of-need, with details provided in the form 

which is attached as an integral part of this letter: 

• Dicke Safety Products TF18-RUB Traffic Control Sign 

Scope of this Letter 

To be found eligible for Federal-aid funding, new roadside safety devices should meet the crash 

test and evaluation criteria contained in the American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials’(AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). 

However, the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, and the United States Government do 

not regulate the manufacture of roadside safety devices. Eligibility for reimbursement under the 

Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval, certification or endorsement of the 

device for any particular purpose or use. 

This letter is not a determination by the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, or the United 

States Government that a vehicle crash involving the device will result in any particular 

outcome, nor is it a guarantee of the in-service performance of this device. Proper 

manufacturing, installation, and maintenance are required in order for this device to function as 

tested. 

This finding of eligibility is limited to the crashworthiness of the system and does not cover other 

structural features, nor conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 
 

2 

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

Based solely on a review of crash test results and certifications submitted by the manufacturer, 

and the crash test laboratory, FHWA agrees that the device described herein meets the crash test 

and evaluation criteria of the AASHTO’s MASH. Therefore, the device is eligible for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program if installed under the range of tested 

conditions. 

Name of system: Dicke Safety Products TF18-RUB Traffic Control Sign 

Type of system: Work Zone 

Test Level: MASH Test Level 3 (TL3) 

Testing conducted by: Texas A&M Transportation Institute 

Date of request: August 2, 2019 

FHWA concurs with the recommendation of the accredited crash testing laboratory on the 

attached form. 

Full Description of the Eligible Device 

The device and supporting documentation, including reports of the crash tests or other testing 

done, videos of any crash testing, and/or drawings of the device, are described in the attached 

form. 

Notice 

This eligibility letter is issued for the subject device as tested. Modifications made to the device 

are not covered by this letter. Any modifications to this device should be submitted to the user 

(i.e., state DOT) as per their requirements. 

You are expected to supply potential users with sufficient information on design, installation and 

maintenance requirements to ensure proper performance. 

You are expected to certify to potential users that the hardware furnished has the same chemistry, 

mechanical properties, and geometry as that submitted for review, and that it will meet the test 

and evaluation criteria of AASHTO’s MASH.

Issuance of this letter does not convey property rights of any sort or any exclusive privilege. This 

letter is based on the premise that information and reports submitted by you are accurate and 

correct. We reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter if: (1) there are any inaccuracies in 

the information submitted in support of your request for this letter, (2) the qualification testing 

was flawed, (3) in-service performance or other information reveals safety problems, (4) the 

system is significantly different from the version that was crash tested, or (5) any other 

information indicates that the letter was issued in error or otherwise does not reflect full and 

complete information about the crashworthiness of the system. 
3 

Standard Provisions 

• To prevent misunderstanding by others, this letter of eligibility designated as FHW A 

control number WZ-390 shall not be reproduced except in full. This letter and the test 

documentation upon which it is based are public information. All such letters and 

documentation may be reviewed upon request. 

• This letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the FHWA to use, 

manufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent holder. 

• This FHWA eligibility letter is not an expression of any Agency view, position, or 

determination of validity, scope, or ownership of any intellectual property rights to a 

specific device or design. Further, this letter does not impute any distribution or licensing 

rights to the requester. This FHWA eligibility letter determination is made based solely 

on the crash-testing information submitted by the requester. The FHW A reserves the 

right to review and revoke an earlier eligibility determination after receipt of subsequent 

information related to crash testing. 

Sincerely, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office ofSafety 

Enclosures 
I 

I I I I 

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Page 1 of 6 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

of Highway Safety Hardware 

tter mibuS

Date of Request: 08/02/2019 New Resubmission

Name: DickeSafetyProducts,c/oJohn M.Pasakarnis 

Company: DickeSafetyProducts 

Address: 1201WarrenAvenue,DownersGrove, IL60515 

Country: USA 

To: Michael S. Griffith, Director 

FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program. 

Device&TestingCriterion-Enter from right to left starting with TestLevel ! -! -! ! -! -! 

Test SystemType SubmissionType DeviceName / Variant TestingCriterion Level 

' WZ':CrashWorthyWorkZon ' AASHTOMASH ' PhysicalCrashTesting TL3 TF18-RUBTrafficControl

ZoneTrafficControl Devices  Engineering Analysis SignStand

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify 

that the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety 

Hardware and that the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH. 

Individual or Organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: DickeSafetyProducts,c/oJohn M.Pasakarnis SameasSubmitter 

CompanyName: DickeSafetyProducts SameasSubmitter 

Address: 1201WarrenAvenue,DownersGrove, IL60515 SameasSubmitter 

Country: USA SameasSubmitter 

Enter below all disclosures of financial interests as required by the FHWA `Federal-Aid Reimbursement 

Eligibility Process for Safety Hardware Devices' document. 

Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) was contracted by Dicke Safety Products to perform full-scale crash 

testing of theTF18-RUBTrafficControlSignStand. Therearenoshared financial interests in theTF18-RUBTraffic 

ControlSignStand byTTI,or betweenDickeSafetyProductsandTTI,other than costsinvolved in theactual crash 

testsand reportsfor thissubmission toFHWA. 
Version 10.0 (05/16) 

Page 2 of 6 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

Help 

The tested traffic control device wasa proprietary traffic control sign stand manufactured by Dicke Safety 

Productsof DownersGrove, Illinois. Each testassemblyconsistedof a base, telescopingaluminum uprights,a 

signassembly,and threeflags. Thebasewascomprised of four tubular legs,springs,and brackets. Thesign 

assembly(Model Name:RUNR48-200) consistedof a nonreflectivevinyl banner with reinforcedcornersand 

fiberglassstiffeners. Thebottom corner of thesign waspositioned 22 inchesabovegrade. 

CRASH TESTING 

Bysignaturebelow, theEngineeraffiliated with the testing laboratory, agreesin support of thissubmission that 

all of the critical and relevant crash tests for this device listed above were conducted to meet the MASH test 

criteria. The Engineer has determined that no other crash testsare necessary to determine the device meets 

theMASH criteria. 

Engineer Name: RogerBligh 

EngineerSignature: 

Address: 

Country: 

3100SH47,Building 7091,Bryan,Texas77807 SameasSubmitter 

USA SameasSubmitter 

RogerBligh Digitally signed by Roger Bligh 

Date:2019.11.11 12:49:36-06'00' 

Help

RequiredTest 

Number 

Narrative 

Description 

Evaluation 

Results 

MASHstatesthat Test3-70 forsmall 

vehiclesisconsideredoptional for workzone trafficcontrol devicesweighing less 

than 220 lb, because velocity changes 

during low-speed impactswith freestanding, lightweight featureswill be within 

acceptable limits. Thetrafficcontrol device 

weighedapproximately43 pounds. 

Therefore, MASH Test 3-70 was not 

performedon this trafficcontrol device. 

3-70(1100C) Non-Critical,not conducted 

I 

  New Hardware or

Significant Modification  Modification toExistingHardware 

I I A brief description of each crash test and its result:
 

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Page 3 of 6 

RequiredTest 

Number 

Narrative 

Description 

Evaluation 

Results 

3-71(1100C) 

MASHTest3-71 involvesan 1100Cvehicle 

weighing 2420 lb ±55 lb impacting the 

traffic control device at an impact speed of 

62 mi/h ±2.5 mi/h. Per MASH 

recommendations,the device wastestedat 

critical impactangles(CIAs)of 90°±1.5°and 

0° ±1.5°. The results of test 690900-DSP3 

conducted onNovember20,2018arefound 

in TTITestReport number690900-

DSP3-4-4a.Thetest vehiclewas travelingat 

62.6 mi/h when it contacted the first traffic 

control device at an impact angle of 90°, 

and was traveling at 61.5 mi/h when it 

contacted the second device at an impact 

angle of 0°. The vehicle came to rest 320 ft 

downstream of the impact and 8 ft to the 

right of centerline of the vehicle path. Both 

assemblies fractured into several pieces P

with the debrisfield measuring15 ft left and 

16 ft downstream of the first impact. There 

were scuff marks on the front bumper, 

hood, and windshield. The windshield was 

cracked, but there was no tear or hole. No 

measurable exterior crush to the vehicle 

was noted, and no occupant compartment 

deformation or intrusion was noted. MASH 

does not require instrumentation of the 

vehicle for tests of traffic control devices 

weighing less than 220 lb, thus, the 

occupant riskfactorswere not calculated for 

this test. The evaluation of the second 

impact wasnot hindered by thefirst impact. 

Thedeviceperformedacceptably for MASH 

test3-71. 

ASS 
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Page 4 of 6 
erewere wo sma ears - nc es ong

MASH Test 3-72 involves a 2270P vehicle 

weighing 5000 lb ±110 lb impacting the 

traffic control device at an impact speed of 

62 mi/h ±2.5 mi/h. Per MASH 

recommendations,the device wastestedat 

critical impactangles(CIAs)of 90°±1.5°and 

0° ±1.5°. The results of test 690900-DSP4 

conducted onNovember20,2018arefound 

in TTITestReport number690900-

DSP3-4-4a.Thetest vehicle wastravelingat 

an impact speed of 62.7 mi/h when it 

contacted the first traffic control device at 

an impact angle of 90°.After impacting the 

first device, the pickup truck’s trajectory 

slightly shifted, which caused the impact 

with theseconddevice to be of a glancing 

nature, instead of fully engaging thedevice. 

This hindered evaluation of impact 

performanceof theseconddevice. 

Therefore,aseparate test(TestNo.690900-

DSP4A) was conducted to evaluate the 

impact performanceof the deviceat 0°.Test 

690900-DSP4Aisdescribed below. 

In test 690900-DSP4, the vehicle came to 

rest355 ft downstream of theimpactand in 

the centerline of the vehicle path. The test 

assemblies fractured into several pieces 

with the debris field measuring 18 ft right 

and 260 ft downstream of the first impact. 

Thefront bumperand hoodsustainedscuff 

marksand two small dents. There wasa 2-

inch long × 0.75inch wide tear on the right 

front edge of the hood, and another 2.25-

inch long × 1.25-inchwide tear in the right 

rear of the hood. The windshield was 

cracked, but there was no tear or hole. No 

measurable exterior crush to the vehicle 

was noted (other than the above 

mentioned hood damage), and no 

occupant compartment deformation or 

intrusion wasnoted.MASHdoesnot require PASS instrumentation of the vehicle for tests of 

traffic control devices weighing less than 

220 lb, thus,theoccupant risk factorswere 

not calculated for this test. The device 

performed acceptably for MASH test 3-72 

with an impactangle of 90°. 

The results of test 690900-DSP4A 

conducted onNovember21,2018arefound 

in TTITestReport number690900-

DSP3-4-4a.Thetest vehicle wastravelingat 

an impact speed of 63.5 mi/h when it 

contacted the traffic control device at an 

impactangle of 0°.Thevehiclecameto rest 

327 ft downstream of theimpactand 10 ft 

to the left of the centerline of the vehicle 

path. The assembly fractured into several 

pieceswith the debris field measuring17 ft 

left and 155 ft downstream of the impact 

point. The front bumper and hood 

sustainedscuffmarksand two smalldents. 

3-72(2270P) 

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Th t ll t 2 3 i h l 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M_ Pasakarnis, E=john@dicketool.co

Version 10.0 (05/16) 

Page 6 of 6 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with MASH by the following accredited crash test 

laboratory (cite the laboratory’s accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Laboratory Name: TexasA&MTransportation Institute 

LaboratorySignature: Digitally signed by DarrellL.Kuhn 

'Date:2019.11.1110:35:57-06'00 

Address: 3100SH47,Building 7091,Bryan,Texas77807 SameasSubmitter 

Country: USA SameasSubmitter 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Dates of current 

Accreditation period : 

ISO17025-2017Laboratory 

A2LACertificate Number:2821.01 

ValidTo:April 30,2021 

 SubmitterSignature*:

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

1) Additional disclosures of related financial interest as indicated above. 

2) A copy of the full test report, video, and a Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conducted in 

support of this request. 

3) A drawing or drawings of the device(s) that conform to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

[Hardware Guide Drawing Standards]. For proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 

usually acceptable to illustrate the product, with detailed specifications, intended use, and contact 

information provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 format) showing details that 

are relevant to understanding the dimensions and performance of the device should also be submitted 

to facilitate our review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Letter 

Number Date Key Words 

TR No. 690900-DSP3-4-4A 21 2019-07-12 0.000 s 0.075 s 0.150 s 0.300 s General Information Test Vehicle Post-Impact Trajectory Test Agency.......................... Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Type/Designation........2270P Stopping Distance .......................... 355 ft downstream Test Standard Test No.......... MASH Test 3-72 Make and Model .........2013 RAM 1500 On Centerline TTI Test No. ......................... 690900-DSP4 Curb............................5030 lb Test Article Deflections Test Date.............................. 2018-11-20 Test Inertial.................5060 lb Fabric Sign & Upper Supports #1 ... 0 ft downstream Dummy .......................No dummy Lower Support/Base #1 .................. 20 ft downstream Test Article Gross Static ................5060 lb Vehicle Damage Type ..................................... Work Zone Traffic Control Device Impact Conditions VDS................................................ 12FC1 Name.................................... TF18-RUB Traffic Control Sign Stand Speed .........................62.7 mi/h CDC ............................................... 12FCGN6 Installation Height ................. 22-inch mounting height Angle ..........................90° Max. Exterior Deformation .............. None Material or Key Elements...... Vinyl sign substrate with carbon wrapped Kinetic Energy..............665 kip-ft OCDI .............................................. FS0000000 fiberglass stays and metal base (Model Exit Conditions Max. Occupant Compartment Soil Type and Condition ........ Name RUNR48-200) Speed .........................62.4 mi/h Deformation.............................. None Placed on concrete surface, dry Windshield Damage ....................... Cracked only Figure 6.6. Summary of Results for MASH Test 3-72 at 90° on TF18-RUB Traffic Control Sign Stand.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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