Researchers at NASA's Johnson Space Center have developed a roadway barrier system capable of slowing and capturing vehicles in high-impact collisions.

Energy-absorbing straps deploy for controlled deceleration, protecting the driver from a life-threatening collision. Nets capture the vehicle, greatly reducing the possibility of secondary impacts on other vehicles or innocent bystanders. The roadway barrier can be used on our nation's streets and highways, in amateur and professional auto racing, at security checkpoints, in homeland security to redirect an explosive force away from high value targets, and in vulnerable areas of schools or public parks to protect pedestrians.