An impact attenuator, also known as a crash cushion, crash attenuator, or cowboy cushions, is a device intended to reduce the damage to structures, vehicles, and motorists resulting from a motor vehicle collision. Impact attenuators are designed to absorb the colliding vehicle's kinetic energy. They may also be designed to redirect the vehicle away from the hazard or away from roadway machinery and workers. Impact attenuators are usually placed in front of fixed structures near freeways, such as gore points, Jersey barrier introductions, or overpass supports and temporary versions can be used for road construction projects.