Bob Hobden

"Mother" wrote
> ...seem to work pretty well:
>
> http://www.101fc.net/files/vids/VehicleBarrier.wmv
>

On a serious note, why can't we have those too? Almost weekly I hear of
vehicles breaking through the crash barrier on motorways with drivers on
that carriageway then possibly having a "head on" (much more lethal than a
side swipe) so why not.
Looks like the M25 where it's being widened will have similar concrete
barriers.

--
Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London

Tim Hobbs

On Tue, 9 Aug 2005 22:55:15 +0100, "Bob Hobden" <me@privacy.net>
wrote:

>
>"Mother" wrote
>> ...seem to work pretty well:
>>
>> http://www.101fc.net/files/vids/VehicleBarrier.wmv
>>
>
>On a serious note, why can't we have those too? Almost weekly I hear of
>vehicles breaking through the crash barrier on motorways with drivers on
>that carriageway then possibly having a "head on" (much more lethal than a
>side swipe) so why not.
>Looks like the M25 where it's being widened will have similar concrete
>barriers.

It takes a hell of a lot to cross the barrier. I recently witnessed a
large Sprinter hit one at about 30 degrees (after overtaking me at
about 100mph) and it landed on the right side of the carriageway
(albeit the wrong way up).

Surprisingly effective are the rope barriers, which are designed to
snap off their posts and provide a less drastic stopping action whilst
keeping the vehicle out of the opposing lane. Had the Sprinter lost
control a few miles further up near Meadowhall he might well have
stayed the right way up.

But the answer to your question is almost certainly 'cost'...


--

Tim Hobbs

'58 Series 2 88" aka "Stig"
'77 101FC Ambulance aka "Burrt"
'03 Volvo V70

Nige

Tim Hobbs wrote:
> On Tue, 9 Aug 2005 22:55:15 +0100, "Bob Hobden" <me@privacy.net>
> wrote:
>
>>
>> "Mother" wrote
>>> ...seem to work pretty well:
>>>
>>> http://www.101fc.net/files/vids/VehicleBarrier.wmv
>>>
>>
>> On a serious note, why can't we have those too? Almost weekly I hear
>> of vehicles breaking through the crash barrier on motorways with
>> drivers on that carriageway then possibly having a "head on" (much
>> more lethal than a side swipe) so why not.
>> Looks like the M25 where it's being widened will have similar
>> concrete barriers.
>
> It takes a hell of a lot to cross the barrier. I recently witnessed a
> large Sprinter hit one at about 30 degrees (after overtaking me at
> about 100mph) and it landed on the right side of the carriageway
> (albeit the wrong way up).
>
> Surprisingly effective are the rope barriers, which are designed to
> snap off their posts and provide a less drastic stopping action whilst
> keeping the vehicle out of the opposing lane. Had the Sprinter lost
> control a few miles further up near Meadowhall he might well have
> stayed the right way up.
>
> But the answer to your question is almost certainly 'cost'...

Saw a truck hit that around Jc 35 (M1) a few years ago, like you say very effictive & cheaper to install
than armco too.

Wouldn't have though either system would help much if you are on a bike!

Nige
--�
Subaru WRX (Annabel)

Landrover 110 County Station Wagon (Tyson)

'"Say hello to my little friend"