a crash cushion system to envelop at least one bridge pier . the system has two impact heads , one facing one traffic flow direction and the other facing an opposite traffic flow direction . the heads are connected to multi - stage box beam energy absorbers which are in turn connected to a tubular frame structure which envelops the bridge piers . the frame is spaced apart from the face of the pier sufficiently to avoid an impacting vehicle &# 39 ; s snagging the frame and contacting the pier structure . anchorage cables to stiffen and support the sides of the envelope are positioned inside the frame &# 39 ; s parallelogram shape .