Controversial guardrail in use across Canada passes crash tests

TORONTO – An allegedly defective guardrail widely used across Canada and the United States has passed a series of crash tests.

U.S. authorities say the ET Plus, which is subject of a $500-million proposed Canadian class-action lawsuit, meets applicable crash criteria.

The tests were ordered after an American jury found Texas-based Trinity Industries guilty last year of fraud in a civil action.

READ MORE: Stratford, Ont. sues U.S. company over alleged defects in guardrail parts

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Trinity modified the guardrail unit about 10 years ago without notifying appropriate authorities.

Critics say the altered ET Plus end unit can end up impaling occupants of a vehicle rather than protecting them.

Many states and provinces have stopped using them pending the outcome of all the testing and analysis.