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.

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

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.