observations from travels...

... when driving to and fro. Making a mental note of how frequently I see mangled sections of guard rail along the right of way. Installed by the Department of Transportation to help keep travelers safe, it appears to be a remarkably dangerous addition to the highway. We all assume the curbing is designed to prevent dozing or dangerous drivers from leaving the paved surface and barreling into bridge abutments or below grade area, supported by metal heavy posts. But what happens when the strip of metal is hit head-on by a vehicle?

Nearly every section I pass as I drive along the high speed highway is crumpled, and in need of replacement. Looking like a superhero has used it as a plaything and left it pretzel shaped. It is a most scare-y thought to realize that the protective barrier actually might have prevented something bad from happening. When viewing the result of how impact with a vehicle has contorted the original shape of the metal and supporting posts, it is difficult to imagine a fragile human body surviving intact. Drivers of soft tissue and easily damaged, delicate bones, encountering that hard unyielding metal at a high rate of speed is fright inducing.

When I am driving the interstate highways, traveling at my usual 71 or 72 mph, and see how consistently nearly every one of the barriers has been mauled by vehicles, it is truly amazing.And how the DOT, instead of replacing the damaged sections of guard rail, permanently installs plastic orange barrels as a warning. An excellent way to keep us safe, and great way to solve the problem!

It is surprising to not see more small memorials/markers, remembrances to deceased motorists, at everyone of these disturbing locations on the road. There where the impact of the unstoppable force hitting an immovable object produces frightening results. Begin to notice, make a mental note of how often you see these mangled guard rails as you travel, and the numerous orange caution barrels at that location. A great DOT solution to a tragic incident.

And wonder how it happened?  Driver distracted by kids in the back seat? Running late? Leaving home in a big rush to get to a meeting or work on time? Resulting in permanent physical injury, or worse. Not worth the speed of making up lost time. Better Late than Never!