Guardrails are safety barriers installed along the edges of roads, bridges, and highways to prevent vehicles from veering off the roadway. They are designed to absorb the impact of a collision and redirect vehicles back onto the road, reducing the risk of serious accidents. Guardrails can be made from various materials, including steel, wood, and concrete, and are often placed in areas with steep drops, sharp curves, or high traffic.
In addition to road safety, the term "guardrails" is also used in other contexts, such as in project management and software development. In these fields, guardrails refer to guidelines or boundaries that help teams stay focused and aligned with their goals, ensuring that projects remain on track and within scope.