Abstract
A new type of road safety barrier for motorcyclists, that can be added to existing devices, has been evaluated by means of a multibody numerical method. The results are compared, in terms of main injury criteria, with simulations of motorcyclist impacts against conventional concrete and steel barriers. The device consists of a lower rail which can softly absorb a motorcyclist impact, without interfering with car and truck collisions. Input parameters for the model are derived from experimental testing and finite element analysis (FEA). Brief attention is paid to a cost/benefit analysis performed to evaluate the real feasibility and convenience of the solution.