In 1968 a device for cushioning the impact of vehicles colliding with fixed objects such as concrete abutments was developed at Texas Transportation Institute. This impact attenuation system, subsequently called the Texas barrel crash cushion or Modular Crash Cashion, was given its first full-scale test at the Texas Transportation Institute Safety Proving Grounds on March 28, 1968, and the results were highly successful. Needed modifications were made and additional full-scale testing has continued into 1970.
Abstract