Since road accidents cannot be eliminated, efforts must be made to design the highway so the ultimate results of the accidents are less severe. This would create Forgiving Highways that forgive the driver when he or she makes a mistake while driving. Crash cushions, crashworthy terminals, crash barriers and breakaway devices are cost effective passive restraint devices that will not stop accidents, but they will reduce the severity of these accidents. Today most countries with sophisticated highway systems and a desire for safer roads are incorporating these passive restraint devices into their highway design. Their goals continue to be a cost effective means to create Forgiving Highways. These products are tools that can be, and must be, used to reach their goals (A). For the covering abstract of the conference see E217780.
Samenvatting