Parallel road impact attenuators, also known as impact absorbers, are elements that are installed at motorway exits, road intersections and those areas that tend to represent a high risk for the occurrence of accidents.
These objects are designed and manufactured to safeguard both the lives of drivers and vehicle occupants. If in an accident, parallel road impact attenuators also contribute to preserving the maximum integrity of the crashed vehicles by absorbing the energy of the impact.
Why parallel road impact attenuators?
There is an increasing awareness of road safety for public authorities as well as for drivers. This is why the installation of protective equipment is becoming more and more widespread. In turn, the effectiveness and quality of the products designed for this purpose is increasing. At T2S Ibérica, we are aware of this, and we try to be at the forefront of this type of product at all times.
One of the most effective and life-saving protective devices today are the parallel road impact attenuators. These devices are protectors which are composed of a fully deformable structure which tends to collect and slow down the vehicle which collides with it. They act by absorbing the impact, either totally or partially, thus considerably reducing the resulting casualties, as well as damage and injuries.
It is for this reason that, since their introduction in Spain in 1989, the installation of parallel road impact attenuators has been fully standardized. In fact, this road safety infrastructure has become a star product in the field of road safety.
The first models of parallel impact attenuators that came onto the market only partially fulfilled their purpose, as crashes were still serious. Over the years, however, their design has been refined to the point where they are now an essential product for saving lives on the road.
These elements have a somewhat complicated structure. Its structure resembles that of a Meccano, which is supported at its base by a concrete wall and is made up of “telescopic honeycombs” of steel. If an impact, these panels are pushed into each other by rails made of sheet metal, thus preventing the system from being deformed or destroyed.
These panels have several box-shaped sections inside, which, depending on the model, are filled with polyurethane foam or various types of aluminium. It is important to mention that these elements, upon impact, deform, thus fulfilling their function of absorbing the full force of the crash. In fact, these are the only materials that need to be replaced if a vehicle impact.
Models of parallel road impact attenuators
It should be noted that, before installing a parallel road impact attenuator, a careful study is necessary to indicate the exact point where it should be placed. Correct positioning is essential for the device to really serve as a “life-saver”. Moreover, when properly positioned, it tends to receive a measure of between 0.8 and 1.9 impacts per year.
The most appropriate locations for installation are considered to be those areas with high head-on crash rates or fast lane exits. They also serve as protection from rigid obstacles, junctions, or barriers installed at the most dangerous points on the road.
The dimensions and design of parallel road impact attenuators tend to be calculated taking into consideration the maximum speed allowed on the road, so that at this speed the full impact can be stopped. Thus, if a car exceeds the permitted speed, it will not be able to stop it completely. However, it will reduce the consequences of the impact considerably.
What regulations do parallel road impact attenuators comply with?
If you have any doubts, T2S Ibérica can provide you with all the information you may need about parallel road impact attenuators, which must be approved in accordance with the UNE EN 1317-3 standard. This standard is the one that tends to define the test conditions for obtaining the CE marking.
There are various models of parallel road impact attenuators designed to withstand different levels of energy, all depending on the type and weight of the vehicle and the speed of the impact. Thus, according to the actual speed at which the impact occurs, the device will tend to act partially or fully.
Advantages of the use of parallel road impact attenuators
The main advantages of parallel road impact attenuators are the following:
- They are a type of device that can be installed either on the ground or on a concrete slab.
- These attenuators allow any kind of transition to barrier.
- There is a great variety, which can be wide and half-width.
- If a vehicle collision, they are easy to repair.
- There is no risk that their components could cause damage to the driver on impact.
Buy the best road impact attenuators on the market at T2S Ibérica
There is no doubt that parallel road impact attenuators have become one of the most essential safety elements at the most dangerous points on the roads.
From T2S Ibérica, our staff will give you all the advice you may need about these devices. Do not hesitate to contact us, we are ready to help you! Contact us by calling +34 93 848 05 68 or writing to [email protected].
