An attenuator is a collapsible structure designed to dissipate the kinetic energy of an errant vehicle, reducing the severity of a collision. They are permanently installed at high-risk fixed objects like bridge piers and gore areas, or mounted on the rear of heavy highway maintenance trucks. The internal crushable materials fold progressively upon impact to bring the striking vehicle to a controlled stop.
Heard on the job
The driver walked away with minor injuries because the truck-mounted attenuator absorbed the brunt of the rear-end collision.
Also heard as
- crash cushion
- impact attenuator