Sand barrels are used to protect the driving public from the blunt ends of rigid, or fixed, objects such as concrete barrier or bridge abutments. According to the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, 4th Edition, 2011: Crash cushions are ideally suited for use at locations where fixed objects cannot be removed, relocated, or made to break away As such, sand barrels are deployed in both work zone and permanent applications to great effect. The benefits of sand barrels are significant.