Road restraint systems have characteristics, such as posts and sharp edges, that make them aggressive to Motorcycle riders. To decrease these effects, some products have been developed having two principal solutions: eliminate injurious elements and avoidance of collision with the hazardous obstacles. Two types of system can be found: punctual and continuous. Punctual energy absorption systems are generally located in the guardrail posts, are made out of a polymer based material and are good for speeds up to 60 km/h. They protect the riders against sharp edges, yet allow them to go underneath the beams. Continuous systems that redirect the rider are generally metallic or plastic elements located underneath the guardrail and all along the barrier, serving as a limiting wall for the rider to lose energy and stay on the road. They protect the rider from contacting objects behind the guardrail. Some systems are looking to make a combination of energy absorption and redirection, providing the benefits of both systems. Shown in this paper are a series of examples of systems actually in use or development. A reference on active and tertiary safety systems for the road has also been performed, with useful information on the future of the road safety technologies. (Author/publisher)
Abstract