You know the kind of gate I’m talking about – there are two sections of chain-link fence that can swing in or out, usually held together by a padlock and a chain. We all know what happens in the movies – what happens in real life? Does it matter how fast or slow you drive? Which would be a better way to get through the gate with minimal vehicle damage?
If the posts are sufficiently strong and well embedded it all comes down to the strength of the gate hasp, which is usually just a cast piece of unimpressive grade galvanized steel, from what I have seen. I don’t think a normal locked hasp could take a direct high speed hit with a large vehicle. Going slower would probably bend the fence down until the chain link broke off the posts or the vehicle was stopped.
A locked chain wrapped directly around the center posts would probably have a much better chance of staying intact, but would be a big PITA to lock and unlock.
Don’t know about gates. But in the movies, if your car plows through, road block signs there is no damage. My mom hit one and totalled the car.
