The end of a barrier system is the highest risk part. Why?
It gets struck the most.
It carries the potential to spear a vehicle, vault a vehicle, or cause an abrupt stop, increasing crash severity.
So, what can we do as barrier designers do to reduce these risks?
1. Use Tested End Terminals.
As shown in the video, tested end terminals are gating, redirective, and energy-absorbing.
They concertina on impact, absorbing crash energy, and are designed to prevent spearing while redirecting vehicles effectively near the end.
2. Careful Placement
- Could the barrier be extended to a lower-risk location?
- Can the end be flared to reduce the chance of impact?
- Is there an opportunity to tuck it behind another barrier system for additional protection?
We cover barrier end terminals extensively in our 2-day road safety barrier design course. Check out the details here:
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