Why Guardrails Are Essential on Highways

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　　Guardrails (crash barriers) are the most common roadside safety feature. Their primary purpose is not to stop a car dead in its tracks, but to redirect it and reduce the severity of an accident.

　　Impact Absorption

　　Modern guardrails are designed to deform upon impact. When a car hits a W-beam guardrail, the metal corrugates (crumples). This deformation absorbs kinetic energy, slowing the car down gradually rather than instantaneously (which would kill the occupants).

　　Redirection

　　A guardrail is curved or angled to catch a vehicle's tire and steer it back onto the road parallel to the flow of traffic. This prevents the car from crossing into oncoming lanes (head-on collision) or rolling down an embankment.

　　End Treatments

　　The most dangerous part of a guardrail is the beginning and end (the "terminal"). Modern designs use "energy-absorbing end terminals" (like the ET-2000 or SKT). These terminals split the guardrail open like a zipper when hit head-on, allowing the car to pass through with minimal damage if it leaves the road at a shallow angle.

　　Materials

　　Steel (W-Beam): Most common. High durability, easy to replace.

　　Concrete (Jersey Barrier): Used in medians. Rigid, deflecting cars rather than absorbing impact.

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