When they work properly, highway guardrails can have a tremendous impact on roadway safety. They can prevent rollover accidents and keep drivers from crossing over into oncoming traffic, both of which are among the most serious types of traffic accidents. However, a number of recent cases have raised concerns that certain guardrails installed across the country may actually do more harm than good.

The issue relates to the end cap used on many guardrails, which may cause the guardrail to buckle under the force of the impact and create a spike that can pierce the body of the car. Numerous accident victims nationwide have experienced these issues firsthand, resulting in more than a few fatalities and lost limbs.

The Technology in Question