Are Guardrails on Highways Really Effective?

Guardrail is a road barrier that we often see on the side of the highway, especially in accident-prone areas such as sharp bends, bridges, or highways. Many people wonder, is guardrail really effective in preventing accidents? Let's discuss it further.

1. Main Function of Guardrail
Guardrail is not designed to stop the vehicle completely, but to reduce the impact of a collision and divert the direction of the vehicle so that it does not leave the lane or enter a dangerous area.

Main benefits of guardrail:

• Keeps the vehicle in its lane during an accident
• Reduces the risk of the vehicle going into a ravine or hitting a hard object such as a tree or electric pole
• Provides protection for pedestrians and other vehicles

2. Effectiveness of Guardrail in Preventing Accidents
Several studies have shown that guardrails significantly reduce the severity of accidents. However, its effectiveness depends on several factors:

• Guardrail Type - There are various types of guardrails, such as W-beam, Thrie-beam, and steel cable, each of which has a different level of protection.
• Installation Conditions - Guardrails that are properly installed in the right position are more effective in reducing the impact of accidents.
• Vehicle Speed ​​– Guardrails work best at appropriate speeds. In high-speed accidents, the effect can be different.

3. Are Guardrails Always Effective?
Although very helpful, guardrails are not an absolute solution to prevent accidents. There are some cases where guardrails do not work as expected, such as:

• Vehicles that are traveling too fast and hitting at extreme angles
• Guardrails that are damaged or installed in less than optimal locations
• Certain types of vehicles, such as large trucks, that can penetrate regular guardrails

4. Alternatives and Complements to Guardrails
To improve road safety, guardrails are often combined with other solutions, such as:

• Warning signs and reflective road markings to increase visibility
• Concrete median barriers on roads with heavy traffic to prevent vehicles from crossing into the opposite lane
• Smart road safety technology, such as speed sensors and early warning systems

Guardrails are effective in reducing the impact of accidents and saving lives, but their effectiveness depends on the design, installation location, and vehicle conditions. To improve overall road safety, guardrails need to be integrated with other road safety systems.

Need Quality Guardrails for Your Project?
PT Intisumber Bajasakti provides high quality guardrails that comply with road safety standards.

Contact us now:
📞 Phone: +6221 66675999
🌐 Website: www.intisumberbajasakti.com

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