DRIVERS old and new must know their road signs to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
One of those signs is the low bridge warning sign - read more to find out what it is and what it means.
What is a low bridge warning sign?
Every year in the UK, there are thousands of accidents leading to serious injuries, and even death, in the UK.
Some of these accidents are caused by high-sided vehicles attempting to pass through a bridge that is too low.
Bridges that have a clearance of less than 16 feet and 6 inches or around five meters usually have signs to warn of this.
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This is either a regulatory order sign or a triangular warning sign.
What does a low bridge warning sign mean?
The type of sign usually depends on the type of bridge.
Regulatory road signs are usually used on non-arch bridges.
These signs give orders providing mandatory instructions.
Therefore, it's illegal for vehicles exceeding the height displayed to proceed and pass one of the signs.
Regulatory low bridge height signs are found on the bridge and the roadside in front of the bridge.
Some low-height bridges could have a warning of a mandatory height restriction ahead.
Directional arrows could be placed on the sign if the restriction is on a particular side of the road.
Signs may also include the location of the mandatory height restriction and a suggestion for an alternative route.
Green or white directional signs may also include the mandatory height restriction roundel sign.
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How can you avoid low bridges?
Agency Drivers Network has a list of tips to avoid bridge collisions.
One of their tips is to research bridge heights along your route.
They recommend you use reliable navigation maps and resources providing up-to-date information on bridge clearances.
Drivers should be aware of potential low-clearance areas ahead of time, allowing them to choose suitable alternative routes.
The site also recommends that drivers use technology for clearance information and staying up to date with temporary height restrictions.
If you're finding a particular route challenging then you should also ask advice from other professionals such as your experienced transport manager and local authorities.
You should also stay up to date with bridge strike prevention measures through ongoing education and training programs.
Some areas may also have specialised bridge strike warning systems installed.
These systems will use a sensor to detect over-height vehicles approaching the bridge.
This will then trigger warning signs or signals.
Ensure you stay in touch with your dispatch team and other HGV drivers, they could be sharing information regarding bridge heights, detours, and road closures.
If you find any inaccuracies or missing height clearance signs on bridges you should report the issue to the appropriate transportation authorities.
