Business on guardrails-scientific and other interests

For about half a century steel guardrails could rank in first place among safety devices at the borders of roads and bridges. An effective lobby as well as an uncritical observation of the impact test contributed to a successful marketing. Disregarding the need of interdisciplinary cooperation concerning road construction, motor vehicles, and traffic a questionable standard on European level has been accepted. Criticism of that standard seemed to be out of line with safe business on guardrails and was responded by disciplinary measures. After advantages of concrete safety walls are visible on German highways, too, former wrong assessments and agreements should go under review.