Saudi Arabia’s SHC 304: Guide to Passive Safety Systems for Safer Roads

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Saudi Arabia’s extensive highway network plays a crucial role in transportation, trade, and economic growth. To enhance road safety, the Saudi Highway Code (SHC) 304 establishes comprehensive guidelines for passive safety systems, including barriers, crash cushions, and vehicle restraint systems (VRS). These systems are designed to minimize fatalities and injuries in road accidents, providing a forgiving road environment for drivers and pedestrians.

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In this guide, we explore SHC 304’s safety standards, performance classifications, and implementation criteria to ensure efficient and secure road infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

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What Are Passive Safety Systems?

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Passive safety systems are designed to reduce the severity of accidents rather than prevent them. They include barriers, poles, crash cushions, and protective structures that help redirect vehicles, absorb impact forces, and prevent severe collisions.

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Key Objectives of SHC 304

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• Minimizing injuries to vehicle occupants and pedestrians.
• Protecting infrastructure like bridges, tunnels, and highways.
• Reducing accident severity with vehicle restraint systems (VRS).
• Ensuring compliance with Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) and international regulations (EN 1317, US MASH).

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Types of Passive Safety Systems in SHC 304

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1. Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS)

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Vehicle restraint systems (VRS) are essential for managing out-of-control vehicles, preventing accidents from escalating. According to SHC 304, VRS include:

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✔ Safety Barriers – Used along highways, bridges, and tunnels to contain vehicles.
✔ Crash Cushions – Energy-absorbing structures that reduce crash severity.
✔ Guardrails and Terminals – Placed on road edges for additional protection.
✔ Transitions and Removable Barriers – Adjustable safety features for road maintenance zones.

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2. Safety Barriers and Their Performance Levels

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Barriers play a crucial role in highway safety by preventing vehicles from veering off roads or colliding with hazardous structures. The performance classification of barriers is based on:

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✔ Containment Level – Defines the barrier’s capacity to withstand impacts.
✔ Impact Severity – Measures the force exerted on vehicle occupants.
✔ Deformation & Working Width – Determines the space required for proper functioning.

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Containment Levels in SHC 304

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The guide categorizes barrier containment levels into Normal (N), High (H), and Very High (H4a, H4b). These classifications ensure that barriers can handle different vehicle types and impact conditions.

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3. Crash Cushions: Reducing Impact Forces

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Crash cushions are specialized structures placed at hazardous locations such as high-speed intersections, bridge ends, and highway ramps. They help in:

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✔ Absorbing collision energy.
✔ Redirecting vehicles safely.
✔ Preventing vehicle rollovers and secondary crashes.

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4. Passive Safety Poles and Support Structures

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Traditional poles and road equipment can be hazardous in accidents. SHC 304 mandates the use of passive safety poles that are:

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✔ Energy-absorbing – Reduce impact force.
✔ Breakaway or collapsible – Designed to minimize damage.
✔ Compliant with EN 12767 and US MASH standards.

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Safety Barrier Selection Process

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SHC 304 outlines a structured selection process for safety barriers based on:

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1. Roadway Conditions

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Barriers are classified based on their placement:
✔ Highway edges – Protect vehicles from off-road hazards.
✔ Bridges and retaining walls – Prevent falls and structural damage.
✔ Medians and separating islands – Avoid cross-median crashes.
✔ Tunnel areas – Reduce collision impact in confined spaces.

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2. Hazard Risk Classification

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Saudi road safety standards classify hazardous locations into four risk categories:

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✅ Hazard Class 1 – High-risk areas like fuel stations and chemical plants.
✅ Hazard Class 2 – Moderate-risk zones near pedestrian pathways or railways.
✅ Hazard Class 3 – Roadside obstacles like poles and noise barriers.
✅ Hazard Class 4 – Environmental hazards like slopes, ditches, and water bodies.

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3. Performance Testing & Compliance

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SHC 304 requires all safety barriers to meet:

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✔ EN 1317 European safety standards.
✔ US MASH guidelines for crash resistance.
✔ SASO regulations for Saudi-specific road conditions.

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Implementation & Maintenance Guidelines

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1. Proper Barrier Installation

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✔ Critical Distance Calculation – Barriers must be placed within a defined safety zone.
✔ Bridge & Tunnel Considerations – Specialized containment barriers for impact reduction.
✔ Temporary & Portable Barriers – Used for construction zones and emergency diversions.

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2. Regular Inspection & Maintenance

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Saudi road authorities follow strict inspection and quality control standards to:

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✔ Detect barrier wear and tear.
✔ Ensure structural integrity after accidents.
✔ Replace damaged barriers to maintain road safety.

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Conclusion

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Saudi Arabia’s SHC 304 is a critical framework for designing passive safety systems that protect both drivers and pedestrians. By integrating high-quality safety barriers, crash cushions, and energy-absorbing structures, the country is improving road safety and reducing fatalities on highways.

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With a structured vehicle restraint system in place, Saudi Arabia is aligning with global best practices in road safety while addressing local traffic conditions. 🚧 Safer roads begin with proper planning and high-performance safety systems! 🚧

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