Missouri regulators are the latest to ban the use of a controversial piece of highway safety equipment. The ET-Plus, manufactured by Trinity Industries, is a guardrail end terminal that has been known to malfunction due to a change in design that went unreported to federal regulators. The Missouri Department of Transportation says there are over 21,000 of these end terminals on roads throughout the state, but the exact number of ET-Plus models is unknown. Emissourian.com reports that most of the guardrail heads in Missouri have been installed before this particular model of end cap was designed, but that at last one would need to be replaced.

Trinity Industries has had the spotlight shined upon them following an investigation this fall conducted by ABC News. The report revealed malfunctioning portions of the guardrail head. These materials are supposed to help keep accident victims safe during a collision by crunching backward under the pressure of cars. Instead, the ET-Plus has been known to spear through cars and impale the cabin on the guardrail head. This has often resulted in injuries, fatalities and even amputations.

Trinity Industries was recently found guilty of defrauding the federal government by a Texas court. The company failed to alert the government to changes in the ET-Plus’ design. The design change, a reduction in size by a mere couple of inches, is likely the cause of the product’s malfunction. Internal emails have revealed that the change in design saved Trinity Industries approximately two dollars per guardrail end terminal.

Seriously Injured in an Accident Involving a Guardrail?

Our Guardrail Injury Lawyers are currently investigating serious and fatal guardrail accidents related to this untested 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