An independent review of the Trinity Guardrail safety study has found flaws in the methodology of the research and in the conclusions drawn by the study. The review, commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration, questioned the methods of the study, since it excludes minor crashes and looks solely at high-speed, high-volume highways. The study also fails to account for variables like speed limit and road conditions.

The study was originally released in October, causing dozens of states across the country to ban or suspend the installation of the ET-Plus guardrail end terminal. Conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the study found that the ET-Plus was four times more likely than previous models to be involved in a deadly crash. The study’s findings seemed to back up the reports that cars of accident victims were being speared by the ET-Plus on impact, often severing limbs and causing fatal injuries. But the independent review of the study calls the results “inappropriate” and “questionable.” Ultimately, experts say, the University of Alabama study may not paint an accurate representation of how the ET-Plus functions.

The review of the study comes on the heels of lawmakers pushing for stricter crash testing to determine the future of the guardrail end terminal on our country’s roads. The FHWA recently publicly called for information on accidents involving the ET-Plus. Continued crash tests will reveal if the ET-Plus is indeed acting as designed or malfunctioning, but thus far, the guardrail head has held up to expected safety standards.

Seriously Injured in an Accident Involving a Guardrail?

Our Guardrail Injury Lawyers are currently investigating serious and fatal guardrail accidents related to this potentially dangerous guardrail design. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a guardrail, contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options. We offer a free, no obligation, case evaluation – Get Help Now 877-544-5323