What is the Purpose of Guard Rails?
The main purpose of a guard rail, also known as a guide rail, is to provide a safety barrier for motorists who have left the roadway. Guardrails can serve a variety of purposes for keeping motorists safe. A guard rail can help to deflect a vehicle back to the roadway or slow down the vehicle to a complete stop. It can also, in some cases, help to slow down the vehicle and allow the vehicle to process past the guard rail.
When Should a Guard Rail Be Installed?
The guard rail is meant to prevent the motorist from hitting objects such as utility poles, trees, retaining walls, or other objects that are not feasible to remove from the side of the road. A guard also helps to prevent motorists from becoming stuck on a steep embankment or side slope surrounding the road.
How a Guard Rail System Works
- The guardrail
- The posts
- The soil the posts are installed in
- Connection of the guard rail to the posts
- The end terminal
- The anchoring system for the end terminal
- The Guardrail Face. This is the length of the guard rail that extends from the end terminal. The face functions to redirect the vehicle back onto the road.
- The End Terminal. Where the guard rail starts is referred to as the end treatment. The end terminals have two functions. If they are hit head-on, the impact head will slide down the guard rail. It will flatten and the guard rail and redirect the guard rail away from the vehicle until it decelerates to a stop. If hit at an angle, the impact head may function to partially extrude, “gating” out of the way so the vehicle can pass behind the guard rail. The terminal and guard rail is pushed through and opens like a gate.
Need a Guard Rail Installed? We Can Help!

Author: Cody Hartman
The Fence by Maintenance Service team shares expert insights on fence installation, materials, maintenance, and outdoor property improvements.
Recent Posts










