Safety and security are human needs and your right to have. These are provided to you in various ways, some of which you might have overlooked yet see every day. Contrary to the common thought that this can only be found in the comfort of your own home, safety is something that people work on and constantly improve. A few examples of that are pedestrian lanes, traffic lights, humps, and many more small but relevant additions to your surroundings.
With that said have you ever wondered how this is possible? In this article, we’re going to discuss crash ratings, safety standards, DoS, and a few important details that have to do with the road and your vehicle. The road can take you places and give you unforgettable experiences, but when safety is disregarded, it can lead to very unfortunate events. Now that you exist in a world where efforts, inventions, and ideas regarding safety exist, there’s no need to worry. All you have to do is read about it and understand it well.
Are you ready to learn more? Read on for more information! 
An Introduction to Bollards and Anti-Ram Barriers
Since we’re talking about safety, here are a few things that you may or may not know. In your everyday routine such as driving, riding the bus, or even walking, there are things that protect you from harm and prevent the likelihood of accidents. Out of the many creations made to improve safety and security, we’ll only focus on two which are bollards and anti-ram barriers.
A bollard is a vertical post or pole that is installed along the edge of roads and sidewalks. For some of you, this might even be your first time knowing what it’s called. If you’re still confused about what a bollard is, have you noticed the small, steel “designs” that kids usually play around in or touch? That’s what a bollard is, and it is important in ensuring that you’re safe as it is used to protect a perimeter or mark territory.
However, anti-ram barriers are gates designed to manually or automatically allow the passage of vehicles on a property or territory. This is usually seen in private properties, especially concerning the military; in a way, it ensures transparent entry and exits, as well as protects those who are inside from an attack. However, this isn’t its sole purpose! It always depends on who’s going to use it and for what.
Now that you know about these things, we can discuss crash and safety standards.
What are Crash Ratings and Safety Standards?
Before anything else, it is important to understand the basics of creating safety tools. Bollards, anti-ram barriers, and anything that has to do with balancing a vehicle’s speed and impact are examples. After all, you can’t just create something and use it immediately. Everything has its due process, including the everyday things you see around you.
Just like how before any product is put out in public to use, these things have to undergo proper evaluation and assessment first too. This means that there is a standard they have to follow and pass, each with its own criteria and various testing procedures. In aspects concerning safety and security, one of the most important guiding principles and tools are crash ratings and safety standards. Here’s a quick explanation of both.
Crash Ratings
In a nutshell, crash ratings pertain to a series of tests to gauge how a product performs well when subjected to situations such as crashes or bumps. If you’re a little confused, this is similar to how some companies show how sturdy the materials of phones are. To figure out how strong and reliable a product is, crash ratings are determined by destructive tests in order to pinpoint what needs to be changed, improved, or removed. This is important so that when the product is already approved, it is safe and ready to use by anyone.
How Do Crash Ratings Work?
As stated earlier, crash ratings involve a series of tests. In order for a product to be declared safe and legal, here are comparisons and tests that are conducted. Without passing everything, it may put a productive tool on hold or at risk of being canceled.
- Testing the speed.
- Testing the impact.
- Testing the penetration.
- Assessing supporting structures.
- Evaluating materials used.
- Evaluating the weight.
- Subjecting products under destructive tests.
Safety Standards
Safety standards describe the set of rules, regulations, and even codes that manufacturers and people have to follow to prevent doing illegal or dangerous decisions. As previously stated, the road can be dangerous when you’re unaware of what you can and cannot do. Examples of safety standards are that vehicles should have airbags installed and maintained. Also, people should cross only on pedestrian lanes and private territory shouldn’t be parked on.
When it comes to crash standards, safety standards, and bollards, one essential standard is the ASTM F2656. Aside from bollards, this is also applicable to fences, drop beams, security fences, and other types of barricades. Briefly explained, ASTM F2656 is the set standard that pertains to gauging the area that protective tools cover. While there is a variety of safety standards issued by authorities, just following the basics be best.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, now that we live in a generation that provides more and consistently thrives to create something better for society, safety and security can easily be provided to everyone. While the probability of accidents or unfortunate events will always be there, simply knowing that bollards, anti-ram barriers, and similar things exist is enough to not worry too much. Should there come a time when you decide to upgrade your safety, Atlas Security Products Inc is here to help! Remember, safety and security are rights, and there are more than three ways to achieve them.
Curious about how you can get quality bollards for your property today? Contact us here for details about our pricing, products, and installation details.
