Abstract
This overview paper provided an introduction to the symposium session devoted to cross section elements. In providing an overview of this important topic, the paper addressed the following components: a brief discussion of the most prominent cross section elements; the results of a limited international survey to identify representatitve parameters and procedures for these elements; an introduction to roadside design, with an emphasis on safety and the clear recovery area concept; a synopsis of each of the papers that was presented during this session; and a summary emphasizing the emerging cross section design issues and research needs.