What Are Passive Safety Poles?

Passive safety poles are designed to improve road safety. In the event of a collision between a vehicle and a pole, the pole will absorb part of the impact force.

Disclaimer: The following text, including any references to products and case studies, is based solely on Danish laws, regulations, and standards. Interpretations and applications may differ in other countries.

What Are Passive Safety Poles?

Passive safety poles are designed to improve road safety. In the event of a collision between a vehicle and a pole, the pole will absorb part of the impact force.

There are three safety classifications: HE, LE, and NE, which indicate the pole’s approval for different speed zones. For example, a pole with the specification 70-HE is approved for use in areas where vehicles may travel up to 70 km/h.

Each safety class indicates how much a vehicle’s speed is reduced upon impact, whether the vehicle is brought to a complete stop, and which environments the pole is suited for:

• HE Class (High Energy absorption): This class reduces the vehicle’s speed as much as possible, bringing it to a complete stop. It is used in urban areas with many vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.), minimizing secondary injuries in case of a collision.
• LE Class (Low Energy absorption): This class slows the vehicle to a lesser degree. Poles in this category absorb more of the impact than they slow the vehicle. The vehicle is typically slowed to 0–5 km/h. LE poles are also used in urban areas with many vulnerable road users.
• NE Class (No Energy absorption): This class offers the least reduction in vehicle speed, typically slowing it to between 5–50 km/h. NE poles are used in open areas with few or no vulnerable road users.

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