Trivia Tuesday, March 3

Last week's answer

Question: The Jersey Barrier is the gold standard for separating traffic lanes in construction zones. What is the original purpose behind its unique "modular" sloped design when it was first developed in the 1950s?

Answer: To redirect a vehicle’s tires upward to prevent a head-on crossover. 

The Jersey barriers' sloped design are intended to minimize vehicle damage at low-angle impacts by directing a vehicle's tires up its lower slope, preventing the vehicle from rolling over, driving over the barrier or bouncing back into traffic. At higher impact angles, a vehicle's front bumper will make first impact and slide upwards. Once tires make contact with the barrier's lower slope, the lift of the vehicle will reduce friction between the tires and the paved surface in order to bank and safely redirect the vehicle. 

Source: Tamis Corporation