Guardrail and Guardrail End Treatment Issues and "Frankensteined" Guardrail

Abstract: Guardrails and guardrail end treatments (GET) save lives and prevent injuries each day. They are a critical part of our nation’s roadway safety infrastructure. Although the number of serious crashes involving guardrails is low, it is important that these safety devices operate the way they were designed, and crash tested when they are hit. We need to set a goal of zero deaths from guardrail crashes.
To achieve this goal, guardrails need to be correctly installed, operated, and maintained. Guardrails also need to be periodically assessed, especially after being damaged in crashes, and the damage needs to be repaired in a timely manner. Additionally, guardrails and GETs need to be replaced at the end of their service life, especially as crash testing metrics change, and the available technology is updated. It is imperative to keep a critical eye on what is in the field to ensure that it has been installed and maintained properly, as well as to replace it once it becomes functionally obsolete or if it has a history of poor performance that puts vehicle occupants at a higher risk of being hurt or killed.
This presentation will provide information on the following:
• A review of guardrail and GET basics.
• What road departure crashes are and what risks they entail. Guardrail and GETs are part of the Safe System approach that infrastructure owners and operators are directly responsible for.
• Who the “Guardrail Guy: Roadside Safety Advocate” (Steve Eimers) is, what his story and mission are, and how he can help us manage roadside safety systems effectively.
• The importance of in-service performance evaluations (ISPEs), proper installation and maintenance, and upgrading to MASH standards.
• What Frankensteined guardrail is, how to spot it, and how Google Maps can be used to help manage guardrail systems.
• How we need to reframe our mindset and approach with guardrails, GETs, and other similar devices—they need to be actively managed, not just repaired when there is damage. You cannot just build and forget!
This presentation coincides with recent work by Seth Chalmers and others in the industry to help bring awareness to the importance of proper installation, operation, and maintenance of guardrails and GETs. A handout with recommendations and links to relevant resources will be provided to all attendees that reinforces the content of this presentation and provides additional information on guardrails and GETs.