Texas CNG(Compressed Natural Gas) Driver Practice

How far apart must the vertical supports for guardrails be spaced?

1. No more than 2 feet apart

2. No more than 4 feet apart

3. No more than 6 feet apart

4. No more than 8 feet apart

The correct answer is: No more than 4 feet apart

The requirement that vertical supports for guardrails must be spaced no more than 4 feet apart is based on the need for structural integrity and safety. Guardrails are designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and to protect drivers and passengers from potential hazards, such as steep inclines or oncoming traffic. By ensuring that the vertical supports are spaced closely enough, it provides adequate strength to the guardrail system, minimizing the risk of failure under impact or load. Spacing the supports too far apart could compromise the effectiveness of the guardrail, allowing it to bow, distort, or even collapse in the event of a collision. Therefore, maintaining a maximum spacing of 4 feet keeps the guardrail system robust and operationally effective, as it can better withstand the forces exerted on it during an accident.