Guardrail for highway safety in the event of a distracted driving crash.

Why Guardrails Are Essential for Highway Safety

July 30, 2025

Gregory Highway

Gregory Industries

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2022, distracted driving was a factor in 3,308 fatalities. While these numbers are alarming, the good news is that there are effective ways to mitigate the impact of these crashes. One of the most crucial safety measures is the installation of guardrails.

The Growing Threat of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, including smartphone use, eating, adjusting in-car systems, and conversing with passengers. Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic outcomes. In 2024, studies show that nearly 55% of drivers under the age of 25 admit to using handheld devices while driving, a statistic that highlights the growing risk. These distractions significantly increase the likelihood of crashes, with distracted drivers being two to six times more likely to cause an accident.

How Guardrails Help

Guardrails are designed to act as a crucial line of defense in the event of a crash. They provide a physical barrier that can prevent vehicles from veering off the road into more dangerous areas such as steep slopes, bodies of water, or roadside obstacles like trees and power lines. The importance of guardrails becomes especially apparent in high-risk scenarios, including distracted driving incidents where a loss of focus can quickly lead to a vehicle leaving its lane or striking an object.

The Need for High-Quality Safety Barriers

Guardrails aren’t just an afterthought—they are an essential safety feature on highways. Gregory Highway’s guardrails are crafted from premium steel and meet AASHTO and ASTM specifications, ensuring durability and reliability. These barriers are designed for easy installation and long-term performance, helping reduce the severity of collisions and potentially saving lives. By providing a controlled, predictable impact zone, guardrails minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.

Protecting Lives on the Road

Guardrails are a vital tool for protecting everyone on the road, particularly in the face of the growing threat posed by distracted driving. By installing high-quality guardrails along highways, we can reduce the impact of crashes, protect motorists from severe injuries, and save lives.

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