IT PAYS TO BE SAFE

No. 23, June, 2010
Safety Over and Under

Hitting overhead objects is a significant danger drivers face. One of the simple rules of the road is to make sure you always have overhead clearance:

• Don't assume that the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct. Repaving or packed snow may have reduced the clearances since the heights were posted.
• The weight of a cargo changes your trailer's height. An empty van or trailer is higher than a loaded one. The fact that you got under a bridge when you were loaded does not mean you can do it when you are empty.
• If you doubt you have safe space to pass under an object, go slowly. If you aren't sure you can make it, take another route. Warnings are often posted on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes they are not.
• Some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt. There can be a problem clearing objects along the edge of the road, such as signs, trees or bridge supports. Where there is a problem, drive a little closer to the center of the road.
• Before you back into an area, get out and check for overhanging objects such as trees, branches or electrical wires. It's easy to miss seeing them when you're backing. At the same time, it also gives you a chance to check for other hazards that are behind you.

The Space Below

Drivers often forget about the space under their vehicle. That space can also get awfully small when a vehicle is heavily loaded. More often, this can become a problem on dirt roads, or on unpaved yards and parking lots. Don't take a chance on getting hung up. Drainage channels across roads have been known to cause the ends of some vehicles to drag. Drivers should always cross such depressions with great care.

Railroad tracks can also cause problems, particularly when pulling trailers with a low clearance underneath. Remember not to take a chance on getting hung up half-way across a railroad track.

Keeping track of fellow drivers and the space around us is something we are used to taking care of, but drivers need to keep the space overhead and underneath in mind also, in order to make sure they get home safe.