Terminals

Explore terminals designed to improve safety at the start and end of roadside barrier systems. Learn about applications, terminal types, safety functions, and our terminal solutions for highways and roadside infrastructure

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What Are Terminals?

Guardrail terminals are start and end constructions installed at the exposed ends of roadside barrier systems. They are designed to reduce the consequences of vehicle impacts by helping to stop, redirect, or manage vehicles in a controlled way, depending on the system design.

As part of a broader vehicle restraint system, terminals help improve safety along highways, rural roads, bridge approaches, and other roadside sections where exposed barrier ends or nearby hazards require additional protection.

Types of Terminals

Different terminal types are designed to address specific roadside safety challenges, ranging from energy absorption and vehicle redirection to compatibility with various barrier systems and installation environments.

How terminals improve safety

Guardrail terminals are designed to improve the safety performance of roadside barrier systems at their beginning and end points. Depending on the system type, they can help absorb impact energy, manage vehicle deceleration, reduce crash severity, and improve interaction between the vehicle and the barrier.

  • reduce the severity of impacts at exposed barrier ends

  • support controlled vehicle interaction

  • help protect drivers from hazardous roadside obstacles

  • improve the overall safety performance of barrier systems

  • contribute to safer roadside infrastructure design

67%
of EU road deaths occur on rural roads
On tree-lined roads, Terminals help protect vehicle occupants from severe impacts with trees and other fixed roadside obstacles.
81%
of EU road fatalities occur away from junctions.
This underlines the importance of roadside protection on open-road sections, where guardrails help contain and redirect errant vehicles before they strike hazardous obstacles.
44%
of car occupant fatalities in the EU
involve a collision with another car as the main opponent. Where secondary departure or loss-of-control scenarios occur, guardrails help reduce the consequences of leaving the roadway and striking roadside hazards instead of remaining within the safer road corridor.

Source: European Commission (2026), Annual statistical report on road safety in the EU, 2026

Materials and Design

Terminal systems are developed for demanding roadside environments and are typically based on durable steel components engineered for impact performance and long-term reliability. Depending on the system design, components may include steel rails, posts, anchoring elements, and energy-management parts.

With more than 100 years of experience in steel processing, steel construction, and infrastructure applications, Saferoad brings extensive steel expertise to the development of modern roadside safety systems.

Standards and testing for terminals

EN 1317

The European standard series for vehicle restraint systems defines common testing procedures and performance requirements for roadside safety products, ensuring a consistent level of safety across markets.

Performance Class

Defines the test speed and impact conditions under which the terminal has been evaluated.

Lateral Deflection

Measures how far the terminal moves sideways during a collision.

Redirection Zone

Indicates the area required for safely redirecting a vehicle after impact.

Acceleration Severity Index (ASI)

Evaluates the forces acting on vehicle occupants and helps determine impact severity.

Why Saferoad?

All Saferoad terminal solutions are developed and tested to meet applicable European standards, helping road authorities and infrastructure operators achieve compliance while improving roadside safety. With a practical understanding of vehicle restraint systems and infrastructure requirements, we help customers identify terminal solutions that match specific project, installation, and performance needs.

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Terminal FAQ

What is a guardrail terminal?

A guardrail terminal is a start or end construction installed at the exposed end of a roadside barrier system. It is designed to improve safety by managing vehicle impacts at the beginning or end of a guardrail.

What is the purpose of a terminal system?

The purpose of a terminal system is to reduce the severity of impacts at exposed barrier ends and to improve the safety performance of the overall roadside barrier system.

Where are guardrail terminals used?

Guardrail terminals are commonly used on highways, rural roads, bridge approaches, medians, and roadside sections where the start or end of a barrier system is exposed to traffic.

What is the difference between a start terminal and an end terminal?

A start terminal is used at the beginning of a barrier system, while an end terminal is used at the end of the system. Both are designed to improve safety, but their application depends on barrier layout and site conditions.

What is an energy-absorbing terminal?

An energy-absorbing terminal is designed to manage impact forces and reduce crash severity during a collision, especially in end-on impact conditions.

How are terminal systems selected?

Terminal systems are selected based on the barrier type, roadside hazard, available space, required impact behaviour, and applicable project or authority requirements.

Do terminals need to be compatible with the guardrail system?

Yes. A terminal must be compatible with the connected guardrail system to ensure proper installation and intended safety performance.