What is the purpose of extruder terminals?

Extruder terminals are designed specifically to reduce hazards at guardrail ends. These structures are strategically placed to minimize the potential for serious accidents that can occur when vehicles collide with the ends of guardrails, which can be particularly dangerous due to their rigid design. The extruder terminal features a sloped, more forgiving design that helps redirect vehicles upon impact instead of causing a hard, abrupt stop. This design can significantly lessen the severity of accidents, protecting both the occupants of vehicles and other road users.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of extruder terminals; they pertain to different aspects of road safety or vehicle performance. Enhancing fuel efficiency, improving steering control, or increasing speed limits are not within the primary objectives of guardrail terminal design. Thus, focusing on how extruder terminals specifically contribute to safety by mitigating the risks associated with guardrail impacts clarifies their critical role in roadway safety management.