Watch: What exactly happens when you hit a crash barrier

UK motoring show ’Fifth Gear’ have made a video which shows what can happen if an unsuspecting motorist hits a crash barrier found on the sides of motorways.

Using a remote control Vauxhall (Opel) Astra, the team set out to test just what happens should you mount a crash barrier if you miss a turn off on the motorway.

At both ends of the barrier there is a slope which is capped with a concrete slab, also sloped, which is designed to slow a car and stop it from hitting road signs.