First Crash Barrier Comparison Hopes to Make Racing Safer

Many tracks aren’t aware that better, and potentially more affordable, barrier alternatives exist, let alone how they compare and, most importantly, how much they could increase safety standards. To date, a centralized source for barrier information didn’t exist. Impact Safety Systems (ISS), an established U.S. barrier manufacturer, took the initiative and hired an outside firm to research and aggregate the vast, complex data available into one consolidated resource for the reference and benefit of race tracks and drivers.

The project took nine months of sifting through websites, literature, testing reports, articles and other public domain information to arrive at a barrier comparison that provides as comprehensive and as unbiased an overview as possible. The purpose of this project is to facilitate barrier safety improvements at tracks.

Though the conclusion of the comparison does highlight the advantages of ISS Barriers, ISS acknowledges that one solution can’t fit all tracks. Certain barricades, or a combination thereof, may work better for some tracks than for others. No matter which solution they choose, if safety upgrades are being made by tracks that were originally using concrete walls, guardrails or tires as primary barricade methods, it’s a win for everyone. â€¨

The comparison was summarized in a digestible one-page chart, which is available as a PDF on the Competitive Analysis Page of the newly renovated ISS website. Downloading the full report is also an option, however the chart provides an excellent snapshot: http://www.impactsafetybarriers.com/competetive-analysis.php

Meanwhile, over the last year, ISS has also been producing a new 6-minute video designed to demonstrate exactly how their barriers work and why they are one of the safer, more flexible and, ultimately, most cost-effective options for road courses and short tracks, as well as ovals where NASCAR’S SAFER Barrier isn’t available or feasible. Although the video functions as a promotional piece, it also undeniably acts as an educational tool for track safety. The new ISS demo video can be viewed below.

The driving force behind both initiatives is to bring forth the realization that something must be done to upgrade or provide buffering for legacy track barricades, which simply aren’t providing enough protection or, in some cases, are causing more harm than good. After 40 years of racing and countless crashes involving old-school barricades, RJ Valentine, founder of ISS and winning pro driver, feels it’s his duty to inspire safety changes.

Valentine says, “Even if tracks choose an alternative barrier, at least they’re moving forward with attempts to mitigate harm and will potentially save some lives. Many of the growing number of serious injuries, concussions and driver deaths were/are preventable—all that’s required to do so is to mitigate the impact with a softer landing."

ISS hopes that both projects will help make an impact on future barrier decisions. The goal is to work toward the common good of making racing safer for everyone concerned.

About Impact Safety Systems

Impact Safety Systems (ISS) was founded in 2000 in Braintree, Massachusetts for the express purpose of setting new standards in superior barrier protection at tracks worldwide. ISS is the brainchild of company founder Richard ‘RJ’ Valentine, a veteran professional driver. ISS barrier technology is one of the safest solutions for motorsports and karting, as well as auto cross, athletic facilities, stadiums and many other areas. These energy absorbing barriers were developed based on rigorous testing and have a proven track record of reducing injuries and damage, while withstanding demanding conditions in both permanent and temporary applications. ISS is dedicated to providing barrier systems that are not only safer, but more durable, versatile, easier to install, faster to repair, customizable and presentable, yet are still more economical than any other barricade available.