ATSSA Signal March/April 2019

American Traffic Safety Services Association 18 Innovation & New Programs Product 101: HowHill & Smith’s Zoneguard saves lives Barrier device is part of company’s line of innovative roadway products Hill & Smith Inc. got its start back in 2008 after its UK-based parent company Hill & Smith Holdings PLC launched the roadway systems manufacturer in Ohio. Today, Hill & Smith Inc. is focused on wid- ening its range of products, having re- cently acquired Work Area Protection Corp. (WAPCO), a manufacturing busi- ness of roadway safety products such as message boards, traffic cones, and signs. One of the first staple products Hill & Smith Inc. manufac tured was Zoneguard ® —a steel portable barrier system. According to Hill & Smith Inc.’s National Sales and Marketing Manager Cecil Brown, Zoneguard ® was extensive- ly crash tested in 2007 and was officially introduced to market in 2008 after the product was deemed eligible by the Fed- eral Highway Administration (FHWA). “Zoneguard is a cost-effective and con- venient product that we manufacture, and it saves lives,” said Brown. “It has been extensively crash tested to meet federal standards. This barrier is used to serve as the last line of defense be- tween the traveling public or other po- tential hazards, and work zones and roadway workers. With the real threat of distracted driving or impaired driving and other dangerous occurrences, ve- hicles could potentially enter a work zone. Our device and all guardrails have been proven to decrease traffic fatalities and injuries sustained from roadway departure crashes.” Brown said Zoneguard ® is largely se- lected for roadway work projects be- cause it has proven to be an effective barrier throughout Manual for Access- ing Safety Hardware (MASH) crash test- ing, its portability (750 linear feet can be hauled on one truckload), movabil- ity that allows for 1,500 linear feet to be installed in one hour, durability, and more than a 20-year life expectancy. “A light-weight barrier allows users to reduce their trucking costs and improve their installation, relocation, and re- moval production,” said Brown. But Brown said the real purpose of the portable barrier and all guardrails is to protect roadway workers and save lives. “Barriers exist to protect the traveling public, workers, and pedestrians from potentially tragic outcomes,” Brown said. “They are the last line of defense for errant vehicles caused by distract- ed driving, impaired driving, hazardous conditions and more.” For more information on the life-saving safety benefits of guardrail, visit guardrailssavelives. atssa.com . Photo courtesy of Hill & Smith