When it comes to roadside infrastructure, small design details can make a big difference, sometimes between life and death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 71% of fatal single-vehicle crashes are run-off-road (ROR) collisions, where a vehicle departs the roadway and strikes a fixed object or overturns. One such example is the breakaway sign post system. Engineered for safety and efficiency, breakaway sign supports are a critical part of modern traffic control, helping to reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a collision.
This article will explore what breakaway sign posts are, how the sign post and base systems work, and why they’re an essential component of any compliant roadway.
What Is a Breakaway Sign Post?
A breakaway sign post is designed to yield or separate when struck by a vehicle, rather than remaining rigid or causing severe impact damage. This controlled failure mechanism helps absorb energy and allows the car to continue moving, greatly reducing the risk of serious injury to the occupants.
Breakaway sign supports are typically used for small roadside signs, such as speed limits, warning signs, or directional guidance. They’re especially critical in high-traffic or high-speed areas, where the risk of run-off-road crashes is higher.
Why Breakaway Systems Are Required
Breakaway systems are not just good practice—they’re a requirement. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) mandates that sign supports within the clear zone must be crashworthy. This means they must either be breakaway or shielded by barriers if they pose a hazard.
Breakaway designs are also consistent with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines, which provide national standards for all traffic control devices. States and municipalities that fail to comply with these standards may face liability issues or lose federal funding.
How Breakaway Sign Post and Base Systems Work
A typical sign post and base system includes:
- The post itself, which may be made of U-channel steel, square or round steel tubing, or other approved materials.
- The base or foundation, often anchored in concrete or driven directly into the ground.
- A breakaway mechanism, which could be a slip base, a breakaway bolt, or a coupler designed to shear off or disconnect upon impact.
One common design is the slip base system, where the post is bolted to a base plate with pre-set torque. In the event of a collision, the bolts shear or slip, allowing the post to break away cleanly. This protects the vehicle and its passengers from the potentially deadly effects of hitting a rigid object.
Benefits of Breakaway Sign Supports
- Enhanced Safety: The primary goal of breakaway supports is to reduce fatalities and injuries in roadside crashes. By yielding to impact, they lessen the severity of collisions.
- Reduced Vehicle Damage: Vehicles that strike breakaway sign posts are less likely to suffer major structural damage, which also helps lower repair costs and insurance claims.
- Compliance with Federal Standards: Installing crashworthy supports helps ensure compliance with FHWA and MUTCD regulations, protecting municipalities and contractors from legal and financial risk.
- Easy Maintenance and Replacement: Many breakaway systems are designed for quick repair. If a post is hit, it can often be replaced without digging up or re-pouring the foundation.
Choosing the Right Breakaway System
Not all breakaway sign supports are created equal, and selecting the right product depends on several site-specific factors. Soil conditions, for example, can influence the type of base required—soft soils may need deeper embedment or wider footing for stability. The size and weight of the sign also matter, as heavier signs demand stronger supports that still comply with breakaway standards.
Traffic speed and volume also play a role; areas with high-speed traffic may require more robust or specially engineered designs. Lastly, environmental factors like climate and corrosion risk must be considered—regions prone to snow, ice, or coastal exposure often benefit from galvanized or powder-coated materials for longer-lasting performance.
Ready to Upgrade? Explore Interwest Safety Supply’s Breakaway Sign Solutions
As roadside safety continues to evolve, breakaway sign posts and bases remain a fundamental component of safe and compliant roadways. Their ability to save lives, reduce property damage, and align with national standards makes them an easy choice for traffic engineers, contractors, and municipal planners alike.
Whether you’re replacing outdated sign posts or planning a new installation, investing in quality breakaway sign supports is a smart, safety-first decision.