shows the result breakaway column 14 has fractured fracture 44 through the two breakaway holes 26 this type of fracture occurs in a very controlled and predictable fashion the placement of the two breakaway holes 26 force the fracture to occur just above ground level the result is that breakaway column 14 bends over and passes safely under the vehicle striking the sign no portion of breakaway column 14 passes over the vehicle which would cause a hazard to the vehicle 39 s occupants material selection for the device is important for best results i e safest results the material selected for breakaway column 14 should fracture without completely separating the two resulting sections this action guarantees that the portion of breakaway stand 14 lying above fracture 44 will not become separated from the lower portion fracture 44 therefore acts like a hinge u2014 it allows the column to fall over but will not allow it to tear free if the column tore free it could rotate upward and possibly strike the vehicle occupants composite materials are particularly suitable for breakaway column 14 they are stiff and light yet are sufficiently brittle to fracture predictably when breakaway holes 26 are introduced in addition the existence of reinforcing fibers in the composite materials prevent the separation of the two fractured components after impact many fibers.