

Well, this was surprising. I looked on Google images to see if it was the norm(it is) and as a bonus, found out that the guardrail exists only to protect the motorist with no consideration for any pedestrians( src ):
Looking at the 2006 Guidelines for Traffic Barrier Placement and End Treatment Design Ward referred me to, I learned that “the function of a roadside barrier is to shield the motorist from impacting an obstacle along the roadside.”
I don’t think it’s an uptick, it’s been around for as long as I’ve used the Fediverse.
I’ve never understood the mindset that this social site is made up of a different mix of personalities than any other. It’s not. There’s very nice people here and there’s very mean people here. Often, the very nice are quiet so you won’t always notice them but the meanest are usually very outspoken and everyone comes across something left by them. Hatred, ignorance and toxicity is not something that’s left at the door of the fediverse.