Citation

Bligh R, Menges W. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2010; 20(6): 31-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Small roadside signs provide important information to motorists. The proximity of these signs to the edge of traveled way makes them susceptible to being struck by errant vehicles that inadvertently encroach onto the roadside. In order to reduce the hazard associated with these crashes, the sign supports are designed to break away from their foundation upon impact with a vehicle. The crashworthiness of a sign support system must be evaluated before the design can be used on U.S. highways. This evaluation is typically accomplished through full-scale vehicle crash testing. National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350 contains the recommended procedures for testing and evaluating sign supports and other roadside safety features. This article contains the test matrices, impact conditions, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements for assessing the impact performance of a breakaway support structure. If the design of a system is altered in response to changing needs in the highway environment, it may be necessary to reassess its compliance with current vehicle testing criteria.