Abstract: Disclosed is a device for absorbing the energy of a vehicle and protecting the same in the event of a collision with a relatively immovable hazard along a highway such as a bridge abutment or the like. The device includes a network of toroidal members, such as tires, including at least two rows of upright tires and a line of tires between the row of tires. The rows of tires extend in a direction generally transverse to the expected direction of impact with the tires of the line of tires extending in a direction generally longitudinally of the expected direction of impact. A plurality of stanchions are preferably located generally between the first row of tires and the hazard. A cable or the like extends from each stanchion and through the tires in the rows of tires to hold them down. The tires in each row are connected to each other and to the tires in the lines of tires to form an integral network of tires to absorb the energy of the impact.