How To Avoid Low Clearance Bridge Strikes

With the amount of low clearance bridges in this country, avoiding them can sometimes be a challenge. But for the most part, they can be avoided. And if you ever come upon one, stop. Do not attempt to go under a bridge if there isn’t enough clearance. And if you are unsure don’t take that chance. You should turn around and use a different route. If you can’t turn around safely, then you should call the local police department for help with traffic control. Depending on the state and local laws, you might be cited for not obeying road signs but that’s better than striking the bridge. Here are several things you need to do to avoid bridge strikes:

• Know the height of your truck and trailer.
• Know the height of freight or equipment on your flatbed.
• Plan your route before starting your trip.
• Use an up-to-date trucker’s atlas. A trucker’s atlas lists low clearances on the truck routes but doesn’t list them for secondary roads. Not all GPS systems show low clearance bridges so the trucker’s atlas is still an important tool for drivers.
• Use a GPS designed for Truckers. Before you start your trip enter all of the information about the truck and load. The GPS will route you around low clearances and will warn you when you are coming up on one.
• Read all road signs. Most of the time there are clearance warning signs before you reach the bridge allowing you the opportunity to avoid the situation.
• Give yourself more clearance than required to account for snow, ice, or that the road may have been repaved which may affect the clearance.
• Adhere to the low clearance warnings and restrictions on your oversize permit.

Call the customer and tell them your route in that town or city and ask about low clearances or anything else you should be aware of.