What is the purpose of installing properly designed guard rails?

The purpose of installing properly designed guard rails is to ensure roadside safety. Guard rails are specifically engineered to reduce the risk of vehicles veering off the roadway and colliding with hazards, such as steep drops, roadside trees, or other obstacles. They act as a protective barrier that can redirect vehicles back onto the roadway in the event of an accidental departure, thereby minimizing potential injuries to the occupants of the vehicle and preventing damage to property.

While aesthetics and the speed of vehicle movement may be considerations in road design, they do not encompass the primary safety function that guard rails are meant to serve. Guard rails help to safeguard not just the drivers but also other road users and pedestrians by maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and dangerous areas. Thus, roadside safety is fundamental in the design and placement of guard rails.