US Patent 11970826 Crash cushion

A crash cushion includes overlapping first and second rail sections coupled with a fastener. The first rail section is moveable relative to the second rail section from a pre-impact position to an impact position in response to an axial impact to the guardrail assembly. The first rail section includes an elongated slot aligned with the fastener and having a first length. A support post is releasably connected to the first rail section and is rotatable to a laid over position after the first rail section has moved a first travel distance, wherein the first length is greater than or equal to the first travel distance.