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Bridge strikes are preventable. Know your vehicle's exact height before leaving, check posted clearance signs carefully, and plan routes in advance rather than relying on GPS. If you're unsure, stop and reroute instead of guessing.
Bridge strikes are preventable. Know your vehicle's exact height before leaving, check posted clearance signs carefully, and plan routes in advance rather than relying on GPS. If you're unsure, stop and reroute instead of guessing.
Bridge strikes are almost always preventable. They usually happen because someone trusted their memory, ignored a warning sign, or assumed the trailer would fit. Your truck doesn't care what the GPS says. If a bridge is lower than your vehicle, the bridge wins every time. Know your vehicle's height before you leave the yard. That number should never be a guess, and it needs to include the highest point on your truck, trailer, or load. Don't rely on what you hauled yesterday. Different trailers, chassis, containers, and loads can change your overall height. Pay attention to clearance signs. If the posted height is close to your vehicle's height, slow down and verify before you move forward. Keep in mind that posted clearances are often measured at the lowest point of the bridge. Road resurfacing, uneven pavement, or driving near the shoulder can reduce your available clearance even more. Planning your route is part of driving safely. Spending a few minutes reviewing it is a lot easier than trying to recover after you've turned onto the wrong street. Don't blindly follow your GPS, especially in cities or industrial areas. Not every navigation app is designed for commercial vehicles. Watch for truck restriction signs before you reach a bridge. They're giving you a chance to make a safe decision while you still have room to turn around. If you realize you're on the wrong road, don't panic. Find a safe place to stop and work out another route. Rushed decisions usually make the situation worse. Never try to squeeze under a bridge because it looks close. Your eyes aren't accurate enough when only a few inches separate a near miss from a strike. Bridges aren't the only overhead hazards. Low branches, utility lines, awnings, and building overhangs can all damage your equipment or cargo. Construction zones can create temporary clearance problems. Stay alert for portable signs, lane shifts, and changing traffic patterns. Rain, darkness, and heavy traffic can make clearance signs harder to see. Slow down enough to recognize and react to what you're seeing. If you're hauling an unusually tall load, double-check your permits and approved route before you move. Those designated routes exist for a reason. At shipping facilities and customer locations, don't assume every entrance is truck-friendly. Look ahead before committing to a driveway or parking area. When in doubt, stop. Spending a few minutes confirming a clearance is far better than explaining a bridge strike, damaged cargo, or a closed highway. Professional drivers know there's no shame in taking the longer route when it's the safer route. The best bridge strike is the one that never happens because you planned ahead. Paid attention to the signs and refused to guess. Thanks for watching and stay safe out there!
