Why the Guardrail End Terminal Systems are Dangerous
An end terminal, or head of the guardrail, is designed to absorb the energy of a crash and allow the striking vehicle to ride down the guardrail as it slows and comes to a complete stop. If designed properly, the end terminal provides an outlet for the guardrail to curl away from the striking vehicle like a flat ribbon.
Unfortunately, design defects and modifications to some guardrail end terminal systems affect how the rail collapses upon impact. When a vehicle hits a defective end terminal, the guardrail locks up and folds back, forming a spear that can slice right through a vehicle and cause serious injuries to occupants, or deaths.
Related Defective Guardrail Publications
- Emison, Kent and Michael Serra. “Defective guardrails in serious injury and death cases.” Thomson Reuters’ Automotive Journal.
- Emison, Kent and Michael Serra. “Danger on Our Highways: Guardrails that Maim and Kill.” Attorneys Information Exchange Group.
- Emison, Kent and Brett Emison. “Defective Guardrails on America’s Roads.” Trial. American Association for Justice.
- Graves, Adam and David Brose. “Defective Guardrails on our Nation’s Roads.” AIEG Voice. Attorneys Information Exchange Group.
