A Fitch Barrier is a type of impact attenuator consisting of a sand- or water-filled plastic barrel, usually yellow colored with a black lid. The "Fitch Highway Barrier System" was invented by race car driver John Fitch; he stated he was inspired by sand-filled fuel cans which he used to protect his tent from strafing during World War II.
Fitch barriers are often found in a triangular arrangement at the tip of a guard rail between a highway and an exit lane (the area known as the gore), along the most probable line of impact. The barriers in front contain the least sand, with each successive barrel containing more; so that when a vehicle collides with the barrels they shatter, the kinetic energy is dissipated by scattering the sand, and the vehicle decelerates smoothly instead of violently striking a solid obstruction, reducing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Fitch barriers are widely popular due to their effectiveness, low cost, and ease of setup and repair or replacement. Since first being used in the late 1960s, it is estimated that they have saved as many as 17,000 lives.
Read more about this topic: Impact Attenuator
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