Maximum workplace and road safety with the mobile FRIKE crash cushion

Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) save lives. With the FRIKE-TMA Compact 100, FRIKE electronic AG introduces a new safety solution certified across Europe. In developing the system, the Swiss traffic safety specialist drew on decades of expertise and practical experience. The result is a TMA that impresses both operators and industry professionals alike.

In Switzerland, they are mandatory; in Germany, they are still optional: Truck Mounted Attenuators serve as the final safety buffer in front of roadworks on motorways and expressways. They provide effective protection for work zones by preventing errant vehicles from entering the construction area, thereby safeguarding the lives of road workers. But that is not all: the attenuator's impact cushion absorbs the energy of a collision and significantly reduces the force of impact. As a result, the risk of injury to the driver responsible for the accident is also substantially reduced.

A TMA protects not only the life of the driver in the event of a collision, but also the lives of road workers at the construction site. (Photo: Radio Luzern)

European-certified and versatile in application

"Our goal was to bring a TMA to market that meets all our customers' requirements—maximum protection, maximum flexibility, and low operating costs," explains Tim Baur, CEO of FRIKE. Certified to CEN/TS 16786 and tested for impact speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph), the FRIKE-TMA Compact 100 delivers on both counts. It is available with either a full-colour RGB LED matrix display or an illuminated directional arrow board (Traffic Sign 616). The system is further complemented by a flip-over prism sign and additional mounting slots for roadworks signs or a rotating arrow, providing operators with a wide range of traffic management and signalling options.

As with all FRIKE solutions, all components are operated via a wireless remote control, eliminating the need for personnel to leave the vehicle and enter the hazardous work zone. Should the wireless remote control ever fail, the same operating functions are also integrated into the control cabinet, ensuring reliable and redundant operation even in an emergency. An optional wireless camera further improves visibility and provides an additional level of safety during operation.

The FRIKE team presented the Compact 100 to the public for the first time at Suisse Public in June 2026. (Photo: FRIKE electronic AG)

Lightweight, compact, and cost-effective

Another key advantage of the FRIKE-TMA Compact 100 is its lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal impact cushion. Weighing just 300 kg, it can be mounted on a protection vehicle with a minimum gross weight of 5.5 tonnes, as specified by its certification. The crash cushion consists of three impact zones. As Tim Baur explains: "This means that after a minor collision, only the first zone needs to be replaced, significantly reducing repair costs for our customers."

Easy installation and storage

The practicality of the FRIKE-TMA Compact 100 extends far beyond its operation. The Team of the Swiss traffic safety specialist has carefully considered every aspect of day-to-day use. The TMA features an integrated trailer hitch, allowing it to tow an advance warning trailer. It can also be removed within minutes and loaded from the front or side using a forklift, enabling the truck to be quickly redeployed for other applications, such as winter maintenance. The crash cushion itself can be detached with just a few bolts, while all electrical connections are plug-and-play. "The only interfaces with the carrier vehicle are the mounting points and the connector for the vehicle lighting. Apart from that, the Compact 100 operates as a true standalone solution," explains Tim Baur. This is made possible by its integrated battery, with an optional solar panel, battery charger and self-contained hydraulic system.