Blog posts of '2022' 'December'

Tips to Safely Drive Your Commercial Vehicle Past Overhead Objects

Those in passenger vehicles usually zip under bridge overpasses without thinking twice, but those clearance signs provide crucial information for truck drivers. Hitting overhead objects is a real danger for large rigs. Make sure that you are aware of your vehicle’s height and that you always have sufficient overhead clearance. Don’t assume that the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct. Remember the following tips.

1. A road that has been repaved or that is covered with firmly packed snow may have less actual clearance space than the clearance shown on posted signs.
2. The weight of your cargo affects your vehicle’s height. An empty container sits higher than one that is loaded. Just because you got under a bridge when you were loaded doesn’t mean that you can pass safely when empty.
3. If you doubt that you have enough clearance to pass under an object, go slowly. If you aren’t sure whether you can make it, take another route.
4. Warnings are often posted on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes they are not. Be especially cautious with those.
5. The design of some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt. This can especially be a problem when passing objects along the edge of the road, such as signs, trees, or bridge supports.  Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the center of the road.
6. Before you back into an area, check for overhanging objects such as trees, branches, or electric wires. It’s easy to miss seeing them while in reverse.

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