Safe System Snippet 332: Let’s stop with the ramp-down terminals. Please.

It is well known that the start/end of a road safety barrier is the most hazardous part of the system. The main risks involve spearing of the errant vehicle or an abrupt stop beyond bio-mechanically survivable thresholds. While a ramp down end terminal removes the spearing risk, it creates a new risk of vehicles vaulting. 

Here are some end terminals that we recommend you check out (note: always check your jurisdiction’s list of accepted safety barrier products):  

ET-SS: https://webassets.valmont.com/valmontstaging/docs/librariesprovider35/manuals/48918-et-ss-end-terminal-manual-aus_0823b.pdf?sfvrsn=13898e39_2  

MSKT: https://www.safedirection.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PM-022-02-MSKT.pdf   

MAX-Tension: https://www.safedirection.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Installation-Manual-MAX-Tension%C2%AE-Terminal.pdf