A Truck-Mounted Attenuator is a large, energy-absorbing device bolted to the back of a shadow vehicle deployed in active work zones. It is engineered to crush upon impact, safely decelerating an errant vehicle that strikes it from behind. Highway departments mandate their use to shield road workers and equipment from catastrophic rear-end collisions during mobile operations like striping or sweeping.
Heard on the job
Position the TMA truck a hundred yards behind the paving crew to block the right lane.
Insider tip
Drivers operating TMA vehicles must undergo specific training on spacing, as parking too close to the crew eliminates the safety buffer when an impact pushes the truck forward.
Also heard as
- crash cushion
- scorpion