Which type of impact attenuator is specifically designed to absorb impact without redirecting the vehicle?

The type of impact attenuator that is specifically designed to absorb impact without redirecting the vehicle is the stationary non-redirective. This type of attenuator is designed primarily for situations where it is critical to minimize the potential for the vehicle to rebound into traffic or other hazardous areas after impact.

The stationary non-redirective design ensures that when a vehicle collides with the attenuator, the energy from the impact is dissipated through the structure, effectively absorbing the force and reducing the chance of the vehicle veering off in unpredictable directions afterward. This is particularly important in certain environments, such as highways or urban settings, where maintaining the vehicle's trajectory post-impact is crucial for safety.

In contrast, other types of attenuators, like redirective systems, are designed to channel or re-route a vehicle away from danger after contact, which is not the objective of a stationary non-redirective design. Sand barrels, while also energy-absorbing, can allow some level of redirection and are not stationary. Flexible barriers typically deflect impacts and can lead to situations where vehicles are redirected. Therefore, in the specific context of absorbing impact without redirection, the stationary non-redirective attenuator is the appropriate choice.