INDIANAPOLIS — INDOT is joining state transportation agencies across the U.S. in a public awareness campaign aimed at helping drivers avoid striking low bridges with their vehicles or oversize loads.
The “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” campaign encourages drivers to ensure their vehicle or load is not too tall to safely fit under bridges that extend over state and local roadways. These overhead collisions, commonly known as bridge strikes, not only damage vehicles and infrastructure, but also cause delays and put the traveling public and emergency responders at risk.
According to INDOT data, approximately 40 Indiana bridges and other overhead structures are hit each year. While some incidents result in only minor scrapes, others can cause serious structural damage, leading to closures and costly repairs.
In Indiana, vehicles and loads taller than 13’ 6” must apply for an oversize load permit. All bridges with vertical clearance of less than 14’ 6” are signed, both at the bridge and in advance of the structure. Drivers should always watch for and adhere to signage indicating bridge heights and not rely solely on navigation devices, which do not consider vehicle height when giving route guidance.
The “Check Your Height” campaign targets all classes of drivers operating commercial trucks, leased trucks (such as delivery and moving box-type trucks), recreational and construction vehicles. Crash data shows that drivers may not always consider vehicle height and related restrictions during operation.