. >> reporter: for graham gilligan, the newly install barrier has given him an extra sense of security. >> this really eliminates the severe risk. there is still the potential for accidents on the bridge but i don't think to the extent of what has happened to us and many people since then. >> reporter: every time gilligan crosses the golden gate bridge, he recalls that horrible day in june, 1996, when a driver veered into oncoming traffic. >> we were behind the truck. the truck swerved and we had no time to react. the car is coming at us, 50 60 miles an hour. >> his friend who was driving the honda civic was badly injured. gilligan had a bruised heart. another driver a 38-year-old woman was killed. it was one of the worst accidents on the bridge with a ten-car pile yum. the driver that caused the accident also survived. >> i poured myself out on to the street. i didn't know if my friend clay was even alive. >> both recovered and several days later gilligan walked across the bridge. that's him 18 years ago. after that accident a double fine zone was implemented. nothing will help elimin