CRASH CUSHIONS SAVING LIVES ON WORLD'S HIGHWAYS

A variety of crash cushions or impact attenuators are avilable, ranging from a simple sand barrel to highly sophisticated systems that protet cars entering the pit area at speeds up to 290 Kph. Many factors such as speed limits and hazard dimensions are considered when determining which crash cushion should be used for a particular application. Different crash cushions currently available are reviewed. The guardrail energy absorbing terminal (G-R-E-A-T) System was developed as an end treatment for double-faced guardrails located in highway medians. The effectiveness and high technology design of this system has made it the most popular crash cushion in the world. The Hi-Dro Cell Sandwich System uses water to dissipate kinetic energy. Following an impact, the system can be repositioned, and the vinyl tubes refilled with water. It is therefore extremely effective in frequent impact locations. The Hi-Dro Cell Cluster is specifically designed for locations where anticipated vehicle speeds at impact would not exceed 45 mph. The HEX-Foam Sandwich system is a dry version of the Hi-Dro Cell Sandwich System. Inertial barrier systems, truck-mounted attenuator systems, Connecticut Impact Attenuator System, and the Steel Drum Crash Cushion System are other available systems.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/25073860
• Corporate Authors:

  International Road Federation

  525 School Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20024
• Authors:
  • Dreznes, Michael G
• Publication Date: 1988-1

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 6-7
• Serial:
  • World Highways/Routes du Monde
  • Volume: 39
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Route One Publishing Limited
  • ISSN: 0964-4598
  • Serial URL: http://www.worldhighways.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash cushions; Guardrail terminals; Measures of effectiveness; Medians; Speed limits; Water
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness; Selecting
• Old TRIS Terms: Water cushions
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00468261
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1988 12:00AM