Energy absorbing system for fixed roadside hazards

An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate the severity of a collision between a moving motor vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent to a roadside hazard such as the end of a concrete barrier facing oncoming traffic. The energy absorbing system preferably includes at least one energy absorbing element. A sled assembly is also provided with a cutter plate such that a collision by the motor vehicle with one end of the sled assembly will result in the cutter plate tearing or ripping the energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the motor vehicle collision. The configuration and number of energy absorbing assemblies and the configuration and number of energy absorbing elements may be varied depending upon the intended application for the resulting energy absorbing system.