The study presented in this paper examines the development of different types of road restraint systems, concentrating on the types of terminals used on the leading edges of the road restraint systems facing oncoming traffic. Some of the safety implications of collisions with various types of terminal treatments are discussed. The current European harmonisation is presented and comments on the progress made in individual countries towards changes in impact protection standards are made. An innovative road restraint system is described. Finally, the paper suggests that authorities need to carry out cost benefit analyses of existing road restraint systems in order to prioritise improvement and maintenance programmes, and at the same time be especially mindful of the safety implications of terminal design within their safety audit practices. (A)
Abstract