I got that as an email a while back with the following text attached. Dunno how true the figures are, but it sounds impressive. "How many times have you wondered how strong those cement barriers are that you see in front of military base entrances? From time to time someone asks what the concrete barriers are for in front of controlled and secure buildings. When told that the barriers will stop traffic, even trucks, from approaching the secure building, most people usually give a look of disbelief. Here is some footage to prove the point. In this test, the following parameters were used. Read them and then watch the film. Truck = 65,000 lbs. Speed = 50 mph Kinetic Energy = 5.5 MILLION ft. lbs. Stopped in 24 INCHES"
Oww I remember reading about Harvey (doug? ) Brock's co-driver doing one of those from an open wheeler at Bathurst in the 60's before belts....
After further review...yes, I belive that is the engine popping out and tumbling out of the TOP of the cab!
Dude-tell me about it. We should host a weather show or something ("yeah...knee's hurting like hell...storm coming up!)
What's even scarrier that the barrier wall is a thing called a BRIFEN fence. It consists of 3 steel wires each a little thcker that your thumb held up by thin supports. The europeans have been using it for years. I work for the Oklahoma Dept. of Transportation and have seen all kind of cars hit this thing. We used to have 8-10 people killed every year because of crossover accidents. Since we put it in, we have had 0 crossovers. Plus, it doesn't destroy the car like a barrier wall will. Basicall it takes out the hood, a fender, the bumper and sometimes the windshield. It's good stuff.
Those wire barriers have started turning up here in the last couple of years - good to hear they work. I would hate to fall off a motorbike and hit one though ! There is more info on them here if anyone is interested ... http://www.brifen.com
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