An impact-attenuating device includes a first energy-absorbing part having at least one first elongate body and at least one corresponding first energy converter to deform the first elongate body in the case of relative movement. A second energy-absorbing part has at least one second elongate body and at least one corresponding second energy converter configured to deform the second elongate body in the case of relative movement. A bumper is coupled to the first energy-absorbing part. The first and second energy-absorbing parts are positionable one behind the other. The first and second energy-absorbing part are mutually coupled such that the at least first and second elongate bodies are deformed at least partially simultaneously by respectively the at least one corresponding first energy converter and the at least one corresponding second energy converter when a vehicle crashes into the bumper.

A safety trailer is shown including first and second platforms, at least one of said first and second platforms having an axle and wheels attached thereto; a plurality of interconnected wall sections positioned between and connected to the first and second platforms, the plurality of wall sections defining a protected work area on a side of the trailer; and wherein the trailer supports a ballast member, the ballast member being positioned near a first side of the trailer and the wall sections near a second, opposing side of the trailer, the ballast member offsetting, at least partially, a weight of the plurality of wall sections.

A towable crash-attenuating vehicle is shown having a frame; at least two axles coupled to the frame, each of the axles having wheels attached thereto; a T-shaped ballast coupled to the frame, and oriented such that the weight of the ballast is biased toward the front end of the frame; deflection shields coupled to the right and left sides of the frame, wherein the deflection shields cover the frame and a majority of the wheels on each side of the vehicle; a tow connection coupled to the front of the frame, pivotable from a deployed state to an undeployed state; an impact attenuator coupled to the rear of the frame; wherein the vehicle is provided with a brake system, and wherein said brake system may be locked and unlocked and wherein the vehicle is provided with an on-board mechanism for locking and unlocking the brake system.

A towable crash-attenuating vehicle is shown having a frame; at least two axles coupled to the frame, each of the axles having wheels attached thereto; a ballast coupled to the frame; deflection shields coupled to the right and left sides of the frame, wherein the deflection shields cover the frame and a majority of the wheels on each side of the vehicle; a tow connection coupled to the front of the frame; an impact attenuator coupled to the rear of the frame; wherein the vehicle is provided with a brake system, and wherein the vehicle is provided with an mechanism for locking and unlocking the brake system.

An emergency response barrier is shown and described, the barrier having a frame with reinforcing bracing; two axles coupled to the frame with wheels attached thereto; a king pin coupled to the frame; wherein the frame is covered with a substantially planar skin that extends along the right and left sides of the frame, from a top of the frame down to a lower edge and covers a majority of the wheels on each side of the barrier; an impact attenuator coupling on the frame, having a vertical pin received in a bore disposed on an impact attenuator, and configured for rotation about the vertical axis of the pin; and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the frame and the impact attenuator, wherein retraction and extension of the hydraulic cylinder moves the impact attenuator through an arc of rotation about the vertical pin.

A safety trailer is shown including first and second platforms, at least one of said first and second platforms having an axle and wheels attached thereto; a plurality of interconnected wall sections positioned between and connected to the first and second platforms, the plurality of wall sections defining a protected work area on a side of the trailer; and wherein the trailer supports a ballast member, the ballast member being positioned near a first side of the trailer and the wall sections near a second, opposing side of the trailer, the ballast member offsetting, at least partially, a weight of the plurality of wall sections.

A crash impact attenuator is adapted for deployment on a vehicle, and includes a cartridge portion having at least one energy absorbing module, as well as a backup system having a backup frame, which is adapted to attach the cartridge portion to the vehicle. The backup system includes an actuator configured to pivot the cartridge portion between a deployed orientation and a stored orientation about a pivot axis disposed on a lower half of the backup system. The backup system further includes a lockout frame member having a contact surface on one end thereof, the lockout frame member being actuatable between a deployed orientation wherein the contact surface engages a portion of the backup frame to support the backup frame against vehicular impact forces and a stowed orientation wherein the contact surface is not engaged with the backup frame.

A crash impact attenuator is adapted for deployment on a vehicle, and includes a cartridge portion having at least one energy absorbing module, as well as a backup system having a backup frame, which is adapted to attach the cartridge portion to the vehicle. The backup system includes an actuator configured to pivot the cartridge portion between a deployed orientation and a stored orientation about a pivot axis disposed on a lower half of the backup system. The backup system further includes a lockout frame member having a contact surface on one end thereof, the lockout frame member being actuatable between a deployed orientation wherein the contact surface engages a portion of the backup frame to support the backup frame against vehicular impact forces and a stowed orientation wherein the contact surface is not engaged with the backup frame.

Right and left safety module embodiments are designed to be installed in openings located midway along right and left sides of flatbed trucks. The modules include a standing platform and an intermediate platform. While the truck is being driven alongside a roadway work zone, a worker standing on the module's standing platform either 1) moves traffic delineators one at a time from the intermediate platform, and then places the delineators at spaced locations alongside the roadway work zone, or 2) removes traffic delineators one at a time from spaced locations alongside the roadway work zone, and then places the delineators onto the intermediate platform. Vertically movable safety rails and pivotal safety gates of the modules prevent falls from the modules of workers standing on the standing platform.

Differing embodiments of safety trailers are shown and described, the safety trailers having first and second platforms and a safety wall positioned therebetween. The platforms and safety wall define an area protected from vehicular incursions.