Citation

Bandstra R, Welkey G. Accid. Reconstr. J. 1994; 6(2): 52-55.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Guardrail transition characteristics, unfortunately, found on many of the nation's secondary roadways lead vehicles into, rather than away from, roadside hazards. This results in increases, both in vehicle damage and the corresponding human costs. Ideally, transition design characteristics should be such that impact forces on a vehicle are minimized and that vehicle's travel path optimized, so as to eliminate or attenuate the potential for solid contact with fixed objects, such as bridge abutments. This is the function of the transition zone. The following case analysis illustrates such circumstances, and further demonstrates the injury mitigation afforded to vehicle occupants through the concomitant use of the available restraint system.