The importance of guard rails is manifold. Most people don't think about until it saves their lives

Interstates, Highways and Secondary Roads
When installed on interstates, highways and secondary roads, guard rail shields vehicles from natural and man-made roadside hazards that can't be removed such as trees, ditches, utility poles, signs, etc.

Bridges
When installed across and at the ends of bridges, guard rail provides a lifesaving shield from the bridge and the area below (rivers, railroad tracks, other roads, etc.

Parking Lots 
Guard rail offers highly effective shielding in parking lots against such vehicle hazards as light poles, buildings, ditches, etc. Guard rail also provides added security against auto theft where fences have failed.

In most situations, we recommend the use of W-Beam guard rail, the optimal choice for safety, strength, durability, and cost effectiveness.
Constructed of high-strength 12 gauge (Class A) or 10 gauge (Class B) steel and coated in rust-resistant zinc, W-Beam guard rail is available in standard 25' and 12' 6" lengths. Other lengths can be fabricated upon request.
Standard center punching is 12' 6" O.C., 6' 3" O.C., and 3' 3-1/2" O.C. with other options available.

W-Beam guard rail is also available with two protective options at the blunt end of the rail: flared end or question mark end. Flared ends provide rigid, straighter protection. Question mark ends are more curved and are used to avoid torn clothing and personal injury where there is pedestrian traffic