A white car approaches a curve in the road and a traffic sign at twighlight, illuminating the words Century Avenue
80 years of Road Safety Innovation

3M's Commitment to Road Safety

3M has a long history of using science to improve lives. Its Transportation Safety Division is a global leader in developing products, systems and services for the traffic safety and vehicle registration segments, with the mission to help bring families home safely. 3M technologies are used to produce high performance reflective materials for traffic signs, road markings, work zone applications and more.

In addition, 3M is working today on the connected roads of tomorrow. Many of the automated technologies found in cars today use the same infrastructure drivers have relied on for years to help them safely navigate. 3M’s goal is to continue to help improve safety through enhanced infrastructure for both human drivers and automated vehicles.

  • Yellow sign stating Decade of action for road safety 2011-2020. Together we can save millions of lives.
    UN Road Safety Trust Fund

    The newly established United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund aims to accelerate progress in improving global road safety by bridging the gaps in the mobilization of resources for effective action at all levels. The United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund will focus on strengthening the capacity of government agencies, local governments and city authorities to develop and implement road safety programs, prioritizing projects in low and middle-income countries.

  • Sun sets on dark sedan. Headlights illuminate the traffic signs overhead, and the construction channelizers on the right
    3M Innovation

    From improving brightness of our pavement markings for better visibility in wet conditions to envisioning a future of Connected Roads, 3M is dedicated to improving traffic safety and mobility on a global level—for Every driver. Every vehicle. Every road. Our mission is to make sure families, commuters, pedestrians and road workers all get home safely. That’s why we’re pursuing a future of zero deaths on the road. To reach this goal, we continually work to provide high visibility products for roadway projects.


Safety Initiatives and Funding

At 3M we understand how important road safety is, and motorist have come to expect constant improvements in traffic safety. Yet, government agencies across the U.S. are under increasing pressure to cut costs and do more with less. Following are some recommended (and in some cases mandated) programs for safety improvements, along with potential avenues to funding.