Background

Over 17 million tourists travel to New Orleans each year to partake in events around the year, including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Tourism contributes about 40% of the city’s operating budget. The January 1, 2025, terrorist attack on Bourbon Street put the city’s finances in jeopardy. City leaders needed to urgently address the security failures to reassure the public that the city was safe and ready to host the Super Bowl just 47 days later.

With the Super Bowl designated as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1 event, local, state, and federal authorities collaborated with Meridian Rapid Defense Group to implement advanced security measures (New York Times).

This white paper examines how New Orleans addressed critical infrastructure protection, post-incident recovery, and barrier protection strategies to create a comprehensive security model. By leveraging SAFETY Act-certified solutions, including Archer 1200 barriers, Meridian played a pivotal role in fortifying New Orleans’ security framework (The Guardian).

The Context: January 1, 2025, and Its Security Implications

The Attack

On January 1, 2025, a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street resulted in 14 fatalities and over 50 injuries (CNN). The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, used a rented electric Ford F-150 Lightning to breach a pedestrian zone, taking advantage of the city’s security infrastructure vulnerabilities (Fox 8 Live).

New Findings: Security Failures & Lessons Learned

The attack revealed three critical weaknesses:

• Failure of hydraulic bollards offline for scheduled replacement (NBC Chicago).
• 700-pound anti-vehicle barriers were available but weren’t deployed to prevent the attack (NBC Chicago, La Illuminator).
• Insufficient layers of security to prevent vehicle-based threats (The Guardian).

Super Bowl SEAR 1 Designation

In response to the attack, federal authorities reclassified Super Bowl LIX as a SEAR 1 event, requiring heightened security measures (New York Times). This led to a multi-agency effort to:

• Increase vehicle mitigation strategies to prevent unauthorized access (Fox 8 Live).
• Enhance law enforcement coordination at all entry points (The Guardian).
• Deploy advanced security perimeters and controlled access zones (NBC Chicago).

Recognizing the urgent need for a rapid, practical solution, the city engaged Meridian Rapid Defense Group to help secure key locations using Archer 1200 barriers (EIN Presswire).

Strengthening New Orleans’ Security Infrastructure

Creating a Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan (VSMP)

Meridian’s VSMP SaaS provides a turnkey solution that enables the user to optimize barrier placement based on site-specific factors such as road access, pedestrian density, and potential vehicle threats. This approach allows cities to establish protective perimeters without disrupting the flow of people and traffic to ensure that major events remain secure and accessible (Meridian VSMP).

SAFETY Act Certification

Authorities used the VSMP to:

• Strategically place Archer 1200 barriers to mitigate high-risk entry points (The Guardian).
• Ensure that the security plan met the Department of Homeland Security’s SAFETY Act certification requirements, which reduced liability risks for event organizers.
• Adapt security protocols dynamically, ensuring protection without disrupting event logistics.

The VSMP approach was also successfully used at the Rose Parade, another SEAR 1-designated event, showcasing its effectiveness in large-scale security planning (EIN Presswire).

Defining the Gold Standard in Security Planning

Historically, the Gold Standard for security has been defined by using certified vehicle protection barriers that meet DHS SAFETY Act requirements. However, in today’s changing threat landscape, relying on a single crash test certification is no longer enough. Vehicle threats vary in size, weight, and speed, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. What must be avoided is using a mix-and-match approach—combining concrete barriers, water barriers, and uncertified products—which only increases liability risks in an incident. The true Gold Standard guarantees that all equipment used meets the same rigorous DHS SAFETY Act certification, providing consistency in liability protection and security reliability.

Public Awareness Campaigns

City officials reassured the public by balancing security measures with event enjoyment by:

• Educating visitors on new security protocols and entry checkpoints.
• Providing real-time security updates through mobile alerts and public announcements.
• Maintaining an open line of communication between event organizers and the public (Fox 8 Live).

Lessons from New Orleans

Future Applications

Meridian’s security strategy in New Orleans provides key takeaways for managing high-profile events. Its method for protecting crowds from hostile and errant vehicles works for parades, marathons, sporting events, festivals, and concerts. With SAFETY Act-certified solutions like the Archer 1200 barrier, cities create safer pedestrian zones and keep traffic flowing in event areas. New Orleans and the Rose Parade show that a well-planned Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan (VSMP) reduces vehicle threats while keeping urban spaces functional. (Meridian Rapid Defense Group).

Beyond meeting HVM standards, Meridian is uniquely positioned as the only company with solutions that align with HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) certification and DOT MASH standards. While HVM standards ensure a vehicle stops within a prescribed distance, DOT MASH certification ensures the driver survives the impact. This dual certification sets a higher standard for security planning by safeguarding vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and critical infrastructure.

Security as an Ongoing Process: After-Action Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Ensuring public safety is an ongoing effort that does not stop once an event concludes. After every event, the security process continues through after-action reporting, assessing what worked and refining the strategy for future events. The integration of the best VSMP software planning tools allows agencies to analyze real-world deployments and make continuous improvements, ensuring that each new event builds upon the lessons of the last. The Gold Standard is not static—it is refined after every deployment to make security smarter and more effective.

Conclusion & Implications

New Orleans’ security transformation following the January 1, 2025, attack set a new gold standard in urban security planning. The city successfully secured its most high-profile event to date through a collaborative approach, integrating SAFETY Act-certified solutions and proactive risk mitigation strategies (New York Times).

Introduction

Bollards and barriers are among the most effective tools for protecting people and critical infrastructure from errant and intentional vehicle-ramming incidents, but their applications and advantages vary significantly. This white paper explores their differences, highlights relevant industry standards, and incorporates real-world examples to guide decision-makers in selecting the most appropriate vehicle mitigation solutions.

Bollards are arranged to control vehicle access while allowing pedestrian movement. These engineered security elements can be fixed, removable, retractable, or flexible depending on access requirements. Unlike continuous barrier systems, bollards are typically deployed at intervals, creating semi-permeable boundaries that maintain site openness while providing effective protection against.

Barriers are designed to prevent or restrict vehicle access to protected areas. These include permanent installations (wedge barriers, beam barriers), temporary deployments (like the Archer 1200), or active systems with moving components. Barriers typically establish a defensive perimeter and can be deployed continuously or at strategic access points to create defined boundaries with varying levels of penetration resistance.

Types of Bollards

Fixed Bollards: Permanently installed in the ground, fixed bollards provide constant protection and traffic control. They work well in areas needing consistent vehicle restriction, such as storefronts and pedestrian zones (NACTO).

Removable Bollards: These bollards can be detached when vehicle access is needed. They’re ideal for spaces requiring occasional flexibility, like event venues and maintenance areas (FHWA).

Retractable Bollards: Also called telescoping bollards, these can be lowered into the ground manually or automatically. They’re perfect for locations with varying access needs, such as parking facilities and emergency routes (GSA).

Flexible Bollards: Made from polyurethane or rubber, flexible bollards bend upon impact and return to their original position. They’re primarily used for traffic guidance and lane delineation rather than security (Wikipedia).

Decorative Bollards: While functional, decorative bollards enhance their surroundings visually. These are commonly used in urban landscapes, commercial areas, and parks where aesthetics matter (GSA).

Illuminated Bollards: These dual-purpose bollards combine security with lighting, improving visibility and safety at night. They work well in walkways, plazas, and campus settings.

Crash-Rated Bollards: Engineered for maximum security, crash-rated bollards are tested to standards like ASTM F2656. They protect critical areas such as government buildings and infrastructure from vehicle intrusions (FEMA).

Advantages of Bollards

Permanent Installation: Bollards provide a long-term solution for areas requiring consistent vehicle restriction.

Aesthetic Integration: Bollards can be designed to complement urban landscapes, with customizable finishes and styles that blend seamlessly with architectural elements.

Crash Resistance: Crash-rated bollards meeting ASTM F3016 can stop a 5,000-pound vehicle at 30 mph whereas meeting ASTM F2656 can stop a vehicle at 50 mph.

Considerations

Limited Flexibility: Bollards are often permanent and may not be suitable for temporary events or evolving security needs.

Maintenance Requirements: Regular inspections and repairs may be necessary, as seen in New Orleans, where malfunctioning bollards left vulnerable gaps during the recent Bourbon Street attack (AP News).

Damage Upon Impact: In the event of a collision, bollards often sustain significant damage, necessitating repair or replacement. For instance, even minor impacts can cause structural damage to bollards, leading to costly repairs. (McCue)

Types of Barriers

Jersey Barriers: These modular concrete barriers with a distinctive “J” profile redirect vehicles while minimizing damage. They’re commonly used for government facilities, urban security zones, and high-security events where moderate to high protection is needed (FHWA).

Cable Barriers: These barriers absorb impact energy and consist of high-tension steel cables mounted on breakaway posts. They’re ideal for extended perimeters, transportation corridors, and areas with space constraints where visual impact should be minimized (FHWA).

Wedge Barriers: These active hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical barriers present a vertical or angled obstacle to vehicles. They’re employed at high-security entry points, embassies, and critical infrastructure requiring rapid deployment and high protection levels (CISA).

Planters and Landscape Barriers: Combining security with aesthetics, these barriers conceal reinforced concrete cores with decorative exteriors. They’re suitable for urban public spaces, historic areas, and environments where maintaining visual appeal is important (Wikipedia).

Crash Gates: These movable barriers allow authorized access while maintaining perimeter integrity when closed. Available in sliding, swinging, or vertical pivot designs, they’re used for secure compounds, emergency access points, and controlled entry zones (WBDG).

Anti-Ram Fencing: Combining traditional fencing with reinforced posts and rails, these systems stop vehicles while preventing pedestrian access. They protect military installations, utilities, and facilities requiring dual vehicle/pedestrian security measures (DHS).

Portable Barriers: These barriers can be quickly installed and removed and are designed for rapid deployment in temporary security situations. They’re commonly used for special events, emergency situations, and changing security landscapes where flexibility is essential (CISA).

Barriers: Versatile and Mobile Security Measures

Unanchored barriers offer a dynamic solution for vehicle mitigation. Unlike bollards, unanchored barriers are portable, require no permanent installation, and can be quickly deployed in various configurations.

Advantages of the mobile Archer 1200 Barrier

• Rapid Deployment: Unanchored barriers can be set up in minutes, making them ideal for events, emergencies, or temporary road closures.
• High Impact Resistance: Tested to ASTM F2656 standards, barriers like the Archer 1200 can stop vehicles traveling at high speeds while minimizing penetration distances.
• Flexibility: Easily moved and reconfigured, barriers adapt to the changing needs of high-risk environments.
• Reusability After Impact: Unlike fixed bollards, the Archer 1200 is designed to be 100% reusable after impact, minimizing maintenance costs and downtime.
• Energy Absorption: Mobile barriers like the Archer 1200 are engineered to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy upon impact, potentially reducing the severity of vehicle and pedestrians’ injuries. Their design allows for controlled deceleration, minimizing harm during collisions.

Considerations

• Storage Requirements: When not used, barriers need proper storage and logistics for transport and redeployment.
• Deployment Time & Labor: Despite quick deployment, setup can be affected by site conditions, system complexity, and staff training. Some barriers need specialized equipment and trained teams, potentially delaying emergency use.
• Environmental Impact: Concrete barriers have significant environmental impacts through their manufacturing, transportation, and disposal processes, contributing to carbon emissions and site disruption.
• Visual Impact: High-security barriers can appear fortress-like, harming public space aesthetics and causing citizen unease. Balancing security with community acceptance is essential for successful integration.

Relevant Industry Standards

• ASTM F3016: This standard specifies testing procedures for bollards subjected to low-speed vehicle impacts, specifically at speeds of 10, 20, and 30 mph, using a 5,000-pound test vehicle. The standard provides penetration performance ratings to help users select suitable protective devices for specific site conditions.
• ASTM F2656: This standard classifies barriers based on their ability to stop vehicles at specific speeds, with penetration distances ranging from P1 (<3.3 feet) to P4 (23–98.4 feet). For example, an M50/P1 barrier can stop a 15,000-pound truck traveling at 50 mph within 3.3 feet of impact.
• PAS 68: Developed in the UK, PAS 68 tests and certifies the effectiveness of vehicle security barriers under controlled conditions.
• IWA 14-1: This international standard harmonizes national standards and provides global benchmarks for vehicle barrier testing and certification.

Case Studies: Real-World Applications

New Orleans Attack

In January 2025, removing malfunctioning bollards on Bourbon Street left the area vulnerable to a vehicle-ramming attack. Experts noted that temporary mobile barriers, such as those crash-rated to ASTM F2656 standards, could have provided protection while permanent fixtures were replaced. Following the attack, New Orleans engaged security consultants, including former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton, to develop a strategy integrating permanent bollards and portable barriers for high-risk areas. This incident highlights the importance of not only installing security measures but also maintaining them and implementing contingency solutions when vulnerabilities arise (The Guardian, Louisiana Illuminator)

The New Orleans attack highlighted the risks of relying solely on permanent bollards without contingency plans. Portable barriers can provide critical protection during maintenance or when bollards are out of service. Crash-rated barriers, such as the Archer 1200, can be rapidly deployed to secure vulnerable areas, ensuring safety until permanent fixtures are operational (The Guardian).

Rose Parade Security

At the 2025 Rose Parade, mobile barriers effectively secured the event perimeter, protecting thousands of attendees from potential vehicle threats. These barriers’ rapid deployment and high-impact resistance ensured crowd safety without disrupting the festive atmosphere. This example demonstrates how mobile barriers effectively protect temporary high-density events, offering flexibility and security without requiring permanent operational (The Guardian).

Austin Pedestrian Safety

Austin has embraced portable barriers to enhance pedestrian safety at public events. According to KXAN, these barriers have been instrumental in reducing risks during large gatherings, providing a flexible and effective solution for managing crowd and vehicle interactions. Austin’s approach reflects a growing trend among cities aiming to balance security with urban mobility, ensuring that pedestrian-friendly areas remain adaptable to evolving safety concerns (KXAN).

Bollards vs. Barriers: Key Differences

The table below summarizes key distinctions between bollards and barriers, highlighting their strengths and best-use cases.

Recommendations for Decision-Makers

1. For Urban Planners: Consider installing bollards permanently in areas with high pedestrian traffic, where aesthetics and long-term protection are priorities.
2. For Event Organizers: Use mobile barriers for dynamic environments, where flexibility and rapid deployment are essential.
3. For Security Professionals: Evaluate site-specific risks and implement solutions certified to standards like ASTM F2656 or PAS 68.

Conclusion

Effective vehicle mitigation requires a strategic combination of bollards and barriers tailored to specific environments. By understanding the unique advantages of each solution and leveraging industry standards, organizations can enhance safety, reduce vulnerabilities, and protect lives. For more information on the Archer 1200 Mobile Barrier, visit Meridian Rapid Defense Group.

Introduction

Recent events have highlighted the devastating impact of hostile vehicle attacks, from the 2016 Nice tragedy claiming 86 lives [BBC News] to the January 1, 2025 breach on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street that claimed 14 lives [CNN]. These incidents underscore why the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002 remains vital to modern security. Implemented after 9/11, the Act addresses a crucial challenge: encouraging innovation in anti-terrorism technology by protecting developers and users from liability concerns that previously hindered the deployment of cutting-edge security solutions [SAFETY Act].

In today’s heightened threat environment, the SAFETY Act is not merely beneficial—it is imperative for organizations to implement hostile vehicle mitigation strategies. The Act establishes essential standards that serve as the foundation for effective security measures while providing critical liability protections that enable innovation and deployment of life-saving technologies.

Understanding the SAFETY Act

The SAFETY Act was enacted as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to promote the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies [DHS Science & Technology]. By providing liability protection to qualified technology providers, the Act addresses a critical barrier in adopting security innovations, as identified by the Government Accountability Office [GAO Report].

Key Benefits of SAFETY Act Coverage

• Government-Backed Liability Protection: Qualified technologies receive specific limitations on liability claims arising from acts of terrorism [SAFETY Act].
• Risk Management: Deployment of SAFETY Act-approved technologies demonstrates due diligence in security planning [NIST].
• Competitive Advantage: Designation or certification status signals thorough vetting by Department of Homeland Security experts [SAFETY Act].

International Perspective

While the SAFETY Act is a U.S. initiative, similar approaches are being adopted globally. The European Union’s Directive on Critical Infrastructure Protection and the United Kingdom’s Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) guidelines offer comparable frameworks for liability protection and technology standards. These international efforts underscore the global recognition of the need for robust hostile vehicle mitigation strategies. [European Commission]

Legal Precedents and SAFETY Act Litigation Trends

The SAFETY Act has played a pivotal role in mitigating liability for security technology providers. Case studies show that companies deploying DHS-certified technologies have successfully used the Act’s liability caps in lawsuits following terrorist incidents. Conversely, entities that failed to implement SAFETY Act-approved solutions have faced costly litigation. This underscores the importance of implementing SAFETY Act-approved technologies to mitigate potential liabilities. A notable example is the litigation following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, where MGM Resorts International sought SAFETY Act protections for their security vendor’s services, arguing that their DHS-certified security measures limited their liability [Crowell Data Law]. Additionally, Public Service Enterprise Group (PSE&G) became the first public utility to secure SAFETY Act liability protections, ensuring they were covered in case of an attack impacting their infrastructure [Inside Energy & Environment].

Case Study: The 2025 New Orleans Terrorist Incident

One of the most striking examples of why the SAFETY Act is critical for hostile vehicle mitigation is the January 1, 2025 terrorist attack in New Orleans. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, used a rented electric Ford F-150 Lightning to breach the Bourbon Street pedestrian zone, killing 14 people and injuring more than 50 [CNN]. The city’s hydraulic bollards, which were intended to prevent vehicle intrusions, were offline for scheduled replacement, and temporary barriers were not deployed despite availability.

Liability Implications and the SAFETY Act

Had the city deployed SAFETY Act-certified barriers, liability for the attack’s consequences could have been significantly reduced. The SAFETY Act provides liability caps for manufacturers and users of approved anti-terrorism technologies, ensuring that cities and municipalities adopting certified vehicle mitigation solutions are shielded from excessive lawsuits. Without such protections, the City of New Orleans faces legal exposure for failing to deploy adequate security infrastructure. This incident underscores how non-compliance with SAFETY Act-certified technologies can expose municipalities to significant financial and legal risks.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and the SAFETY Act

Qualifying Technologies

Vehicle mitigation systems that can qualify for SAFETY Act protection include DHS Qualified Technologies:

• Mobile barriers and bollards
• Perimeter security systems
• Vehicle screening technologies
• Integration systems and security planning services

Compliance Requirements

To achieve SAFETY Act coverage, hostile vehicle mitigation technologies must meet rigorous testing and operational standards [SAFETY Act]. Key requirements include:

Performance Testing and Certification:

• ASTM F2656 compliance, demonstrating the ability to stop vehicles up to 15,000 pounds at various speeds [ASTM]. This standard categorizes barriers based on penetration levels, measuring how far a vehicle travels after impact. For example, barriers achieving an M50-P1 rating can stop a 15,000-pound truck moving at 50 mph with minimal penetration, making them highly effective for perimeter security.
• PAS 68 certification for international deployments [BSI Shop]. Originating from the UK, PAS 68 is a well-recognized standard for impact resistance. It evaluates vehicle security barriers against a range of real-world threats, ensuring that products can withstand high-energy impacts from varying vehicle sizes and attack methods, including ramming scenarios used in terrorist incidents.
• ISO 22343-1 standards compliance [ISO]. The ISO 22343-1:2023standard provides a globally recognized framework for vehicle security barriers (VSBs), harmonizing multiple regional standards like ASTM and PAS 68. It defines impact performance requirements, testing methodologies, and performance classifications, ensuring uniform protective measures worldwide.

Conclusion

The SAFETY Act is vital in advancing hostile vehicle mitigation strategies by promoting innovation, providing liability protection, and aligning with rigorous security standards. As threats continue to evolve, leveraging SAFETY Act-designated technologies in comprehensive security plans is imperative.

About Meridian Rapid Defense Group

Meridian Rapid Defense Group (MRDG) engineers and manufactures advanced mobile barrier systems that keep people, communities, and places safer. Our flagship Archer 1200 barrier combines industry-leading impact resistance with unmatched portability, exemplifying our commitment to innovative security solutions. All MRDG products, services, and technologies are certified to the highest safety standards, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAFETY Act.