What device is truck mounted to absorb the impact of errant vehicles?

The best choice is the attenuator, which is specifically designed to absorb energy from errant vehicles that may collide with work zone setups. Attenuators are typically truck-mounted devices that help to minimize the severity of such impacts by either redirecting the vehicle or slowing it down, thereby reducing the risk of injury to drivers and workers.

Attenuators serve a crucial role in enhancing the safety of road construction sites by acting as a buffer. They can be filled with materials such as foam or water to effectively absorb the kinetic energy from a collision, significantly mitigating the impacts. This design is paramount in environments where traffic is near construction activities, helping to create a safer space for both drivers and crew members.

In contrast, although redirectors and barriers are also present in work zones, their primary functions differ from that of an attenuator. Redirectors are intended to guide vehicles away from danger rather than absorb impact. Barriers typically serve to block vehicles from entering unsafe zones but do not have the impact-absorbing features of attenuators. Signage is essential for communication and information but does not provide physical protection against collisions. Therefore, the attenuator stands out as the specialized device focused on impact absorption.