Preventable Hitting Bridges and Other Low Clearances: 6 Steps to Stay Safe

If you search online for “trucks hitting low clearances,” you will find many examples of trucks striking bridges. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), it has become common for large trucks to strike bridges 15,000 times yearly in the United States. Damages include bridge inspections and repairs, traffic disruptions, personal injuries, and equipment and product damage. Between 2014 and 2018, NHTSA reported that 13 fatalities occurred because of large trucks striking bridges.

Safety managers, driver trainers, and drivers should focus on the following steps to eliminate low-clearance and bridge strike accidents:

1.       Know the dimensions of the equipment you are operating. What is the height and width of the truck and load?    

2.       Plan the route. Whether you use a GPS or not, stick to approved truck routes. If a driver is unsure about the route, ask senior drivers and managers for assistance, specifically regarding clearance issues.  

3.       Use a commercial truck GPS. A GPS is a tool that can significantly reduce risk and improve efficiency but is not a replacement for a driver’s common sense and experience. Many affordable truck GPS systems are available if the trucking company does not have a routing system with integrated truck GPS. I recommend looking at Amazon’s Top Selling Truck GPS Models to read recommendations and get the best price.

4.       Know the danger areas. For example, certain states and rural regions have older bridges built over 100 years ago that cannot accommodate a standard 13’6” clearance.

5.       Watch for signs. Low-clearance signs should be posted before obstructions and overpasses. Do not assume the sign is accurate; stop in a safe spot before the obstruction if you are unsure whether it is safe to go underneath, as the sign might not be correct.

6.       The road surface may affect the clearance. Snow and ice can pile up, reducing the clearance by several inches. The same applies to repaving, and the clearance sign has not been updated.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something based on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link costs no extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust. All opinions and advice are my own. For more details, please see my affiliate disclaimer and privacy policy.