Barreras viales y elementos de seguridad

A bank is a sloped pile of dirt or soil that is placed next to roads, ditches, or raised areas of land to provide support and prevent the ground from wearing away. It helps to keep the land stable, preventing the road from breaking down or washing away, especially during heavy rain or strong winds. Banks are often created along the edges of roads or rivers to maintain the structure of the land and protect it from damage caused by natural forces. They are important for preserving the strength and durability of transportation routes and other areas that might be at risk of being damaged.

A K-rail is a type of concrete barrier used to separate lanes of traffic or protect workers and pedestrians from moving vehicles. It is commonly used in construction zones, roadways, or areas where temporary barriers are needed for safety. The K-rail is shaped like the letter "K," which allows it to absorb impact and redirect vehicles away from dangerous areas.

A bollard is a short, sturdy post placed along streets, sidewalks, or parking areas to control traffic, protect pedestrians, or prevent vehicles from entering restricted zones. Bollards can be made of materials like metal, concrete, or plastic and are often used to block vehicles from driving in areas where they should not be, such as near buildings, parks, or pedestrian walkways. They can also be used to protect outdoor spaces from accidental vehicle damage and are sometimes designed to be decorative, adding to the aesthetic of an area while serving a practical safety function.

A traffic cone is a tall, cone-shaped object made of plastic or rubber, typically used to direct, warn, or block traffic in certain areas. They are often seen on roads or construction sites to mark off hazards, detour routes, or indicate where vehicles should not go. Traffic cones are usually brightly colored, often orange, with reflective strips to make them visible even at night. They help keep drivers and workers safe by guiding vehicles around obstacles or dangerous areas, and they can be easily moved to different locations as needed.

A bar gate is a type of gate made from metal bars, typically used to control access to areas like roads, parking lots, or private property. The bars are arranged in a horizontal or vertical pattern, providing a barrier that can be opened or closed to allow or prevent entry. Bar gates are often used in places where security or traffic control is important, as they can be locked or automated for convenience. They are commonly found at entrances to restricted areas, such as gated communities, industrial sites, or event locations.

A Jersey barrier is a type of concrete barrier used to separate lanes of traffic or protect areas from accidents. It is often found on highways, roads, or construction zones to help keep vehicles on their proper side of the road and reduce the risk of collisions. Jersey barriers are designed with a unique shape, typically with a slanted or curved side, which helps to deflect vehicles away from the barrier if they make contact. They are used to prevent vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic or entering dangerous areas, providing safety for drivers and pedestrians.

A raised pavement marker is a small, raised object placed on roads or highways to mark lanes or provide guidance for drivers, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. These markers are typically made of durable materials like plastic or rubber and have reflective surfaces to make them visible when headlights shine on them. Raised pavement markers are often used to outline lanes, indicate turns, or warn of road hazards. They help improve road safety by providing clear visual cues, especially in areas where paint markings may be difficult to see.

A rumble strip is a series of small, raised bumps or grooves on the surface of a road designed to alert drivers when they are drifting out of their lane or approaching a dangerous area. When a vehicle drives over a rumble strip, it causes a loud noise and vibration, which helps to grab the driver's attention. Rumble strips are often placed on highways, near curves, or at the edges of roads to warn drivers and encourage them to slow down or steer back into their lane. They are an important safety feature, especially in areas where driver distraction is a concern.

A Botts' dot is a small, raised marker placed on the surface of roads to help drivers stay within their lanes. These markers are typically made of plastic and have reflective surfaces to make them visible at night or in low-light conditions. Botts' dots are usually arranged in rows along the centerline or lane markings of highways and roads. When a vehicle drives over them, they create a vibrating noise, alerting the driver if they are drifting out of their lane. They are often used in place of or alongside painted lane lines to provide additional guidance and improve road safety.

A cat's eye is a reflective road marker, typically made of glass or plastic, used to improve visibility and guide drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. The marker is round or oval and is designed to reflect headlights, making it easier for drivers to see the road markings or the edges of the road. Cat's eyes are commonly placed along roads, highways, and in construction zones to help prevent accidents by clearly defining lanes or marking areas where drivers should not go. They are named after their resemblance to a cat's eye due to the way they reflect light.

A cattle guard is a type of barrier placed across roads or driveways to prevent livestock, such as cows or sheep, from crossing. It consists of a series of metal bars or pipes spaced apart, which are arranged in a way that makes it difficult for animals to walk over or through them. The design allows vehicles to pass easily, but the gaps between the bars prevent animals from stepping on or crossing the guard. Cattle guards are commonly used in rural areas, farms, and ranches, where roads pass through areas with free-roaming livestock, ensuring that animals remain safely contained.

An embankment is a raised area of earth or material, often built along roads, railways, or rivers, to support or protect against damage. It is typically made by piling up soil, gravel, or stone to create a slope or barrier. Embankments help prevent flooding, maintain the stability of roads or rail tracks, and control the flow of water in rivers or canals. They can be found in many places, such as along highways to prevent landslides or beside rivers to stop water from overflowing. Embankments are important for managing land and water safely.

A gutter is a narrow channel or trough, typically found along the edges of roads or streets designed to collect and carry away rainwater. It helps prevent water from pooling on the road surface, which could lead to flooding or damage. Gutters are typically found next to curbs and direct the water to drains or drainage systems. They are an important part of the road's drainage system, ensuring that water flows away from the road and does not cause damage or unsafe driving conditions.

The Ministry of Transportation test refers to a required yearly inspection that checks a vehicle's safety, exhaust gases, and overall condition to ensure it is safe to drive on the road in the UK. This inspection looks at various parts of the vehicle, such as brakes, lights, tires, and the exhaust system, to make sure everything is functioning properly. It also checks that the vehicle meets environmental standards for exhaust gases. The test is mandatory for most vehicles over a certain age and must be passed to keep the vehicle legally allowed on the road.

A crash test is an experiment conducted to evaluate the safety and performance of a vehicle during a collision. In these tests, vehicles are deliberately crashed into barriers or other objects at various speeds and angles to see how well they protect the people inside. The tests assess things like the strength of the car’s frame, the effectiveness of airbags, and the impact on passengers. The results help improve vehicle design and ensure that cars meet safety standards before they are sold to the public. Crash tests are crucial for making cars safer and reducing injuries in accidents.

A crash test dummy is a life-size model used in vehicle crash tests to simulate how a human body would react during a collision. These dummies are equipped with sensors and instruments that measure things like force, pressure, and movement. They are made from materials that mimic human bones and tissues, allowing engineers to study the effects of crashes on different parts of the body. By using crash test dummies, manufacturers can improve vehicle safety features, such as seat belts, airbags, and car structure, to better protect real people in the event of an accident.

A road test is a practical evaluation of how a vehicle performs and handles on real roads. During the test, the vehicle is driven in various conditions to assess its overall functionality, including its handling, braking, acceleration, and response to different driving situations. This kind of test helps ensure the vehicle operates correctly under normal driving conditions and meets safety standards. It is often used to check whether a vehicle is suitable for regular use and can be trusted to perform safely on the road.

An advisory speed limit is a recommended maximum speed for vehicles to travel under certain road conditions, but it is not legally required. It is usually displayed on signs to guide drivers for safety in areas where there may be curves, steep slopes, or potential hazards. While the advisory speed limit suggests a safe speed to avoid accidents, drivers are not obligated to follow it unless it is also a legal speed limit. The goal is to help prevent dangerous driving and improve safety based on the current road conditions.

A weigh station is a designated area along highways where trucks and large vehicles are stopped to check their weight. These stations ensure that vehicles do not exceed weight limits set for safety and road maintenance. Overloaded vehicles can cause damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, so weigh stations are used to prevent this. Trucks are typically weighed on a scale, and if they are too heavy, they may be required to unload some cargo before continuing their journey. Weigh stations help keep the roads safe and in good condition for all drivers.

An arrester bed is a safety feature found on some roads or runways, designed to stop vehicles that are out of control or moving too fast. It consists of a long, flat area filled with materials like gravel or sand that can slow down and stop a vehicle by absorbing its energy. Arrester beds are often placed at the end of runways at airports or near highways where vehicles may lose control due to mechanical failure, weather, or driver error. They are used to prevent serious accidents and help protect drivers and passengers from harm.

A wildlife crossing is a structure built to help animals safely cross roads or highways without the risk of being hit by vehicles. These crossings can be in the form of bridges, tunnels, or overpasses that provide a safe passage for deer, bears, foxes, and other animals. Wildlife crossings are designed to reduce accidents involving animals and vehicles, promoting safer travel for both humans and wildlife. They also help connect habitats, allowing animals to move freely between areas, which is important for their survival and biodiversity.

A school road patrol is a group of students, adult volunteers, or school staff, who help ensure the safety of children when they are crossing the street near schools. These patrols typically work during busy times, like when children are arriving at or leaving school, and are stationed at crosswalks or intersections. They help direct traffic, signal for safe crossing, and remind other students of the proper safety rules. School road patrols are important for teaching children how to stay safe on the road and reducing the risk of accidents in school zones.

A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a special type of traffic signal designed to help pedestrians cross busy roads safely. It consists of a set of lights that are activated when a pedestrian presses a button to cross the street. When activated, the beacon shows yellow lights to warn drivers to slow down and a red light to stop traffic, allowing pedestrians to cross safely. Unlike regular traffic signals, pedestrian hybrid beacons are used at locations where there is not enough foot traffic to justify a full traffic signal, but where pedestrian safety is still a concern.

Road sense refers to a person's ability to understand and respond to the conditions of the road while driving or walking. It involves being aware of potential hazards, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs, and reacting in a safe and responsible manner. Road sense includes good judgment, the ability to stay alert, and an understanding of traffic rules and road safety. It is essential for both drivers and pedestrians to have road sense in order to avoid accidents and navigate roads safely.

Roadworthiness refers to the condition of a vehicle that ensures it is safe and fit to be driven on public roads. A roadworthy vehicle is one that meets safety and environmental standards, with properly functioning parts like brakes, lights, tires, and the exhaust system. Regular checks and inspections, such as the Ministry of Transportation test in some countries, are conducted to ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy. This is important to prevent accidents, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and protect the driver, passengers, and other road users.

A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see directly through mirrors or windows. These spots typically occur in areas behind and beside the vehicle, making it difficult for the driver to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. Blind spots can be dangerous, as they may prevent a driver from noticing something before making a turn or changing lanes. Modern vehicles often have features like blind spot monitoring systems or cameras to help reduce the risk of accidents caused by these unseen areas.

An obstruction on a road is anything that prevents or slows down movement, making it difficult for vehicles or pedestrians to pass. These can include things like large objects, debris, or even improperly parked cars that block lanes or pathways. Obstructions can create hazards, causing drivers to slow down, stop, or change direction. It is important to clear these blockages to maintain safe and smooth traffic flow on roads.

A roadblock is a barrier or obstruction placed on a road to prevent vehicles from passing. Roadblocks can be set up for various reasons, such as during construction, accidents, or security situations. They are often made of barriers, cones, or heavy vehicles that block lanes and force drivers to stop or take alternate routes. Roadblocks are used to ensure safety, control traffic flow, or secure an area, and they can be temporary or permanent depending on the situation.