Trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles are essential to our economy, providing goods and services to billions of Americans every day. But “under blunders,” or low clearance accidents are still prevalent within the trucking community. Many truck and trailer drivers, after seeing the clearance measurements, still think their vehicle can fit underneath. In order to maintain safety of all drivers and for this system to function efficiently, it is important that drivers observe the signs, rules, and regulations.
- Knowing the Height of Your Truck
Sounds pretty simple, right? But these accidents are still happening. It’s important to know the height of the entire truck or trailer. Also, if traveling outside of the U.S., knowing the height in metric is key to a safe journey. To help American truckers who are traveling in Canada, and Canadian truckers who are traveling in the USA, a "Truck Height Feet to Meters Conversion Table" has been created. To get access to the printable PDF document, enter your name and email address in the form on this website.
- Don’t Rely on GPS Alone
We have all had a problem with GPS at some point. Unfortunately, the GPS we use to navigate our way isn’t standardized for commercial truck and trailer use. Height regulations are rarely made apparent and could be a major cause of trucking accidents. This article by Fox News addresses this exact problem. FMCSA's information systems do not have crash statistics associated with the use of electronic navigation systems. However, even one truck or bus striking an overpass is one too many.
- Pay Attention For Low Clearance Signs & Stay Alert for Temporary Ones
If your truck or trailer measures 13’6” in height and the clearance is 12’9”, simple math will tell you that you will not fit underneath. Knowing the height of your truck is the first step, but actually paying attention to the signs and understanding their significance, is another.
- Unsure If You Will Fit?
Don’t try! Remember that you are a professional and are transporting something of value. Not to mention, you don’t want to put other drivers and passengers in harm’s way. It is always better to stop than risk having an accident.
Truck or trailer roof damage is more common than one might expect and can happen at the front or back. It is important that you take safety precautions and pay attentions to the road signs, especially those posted in regards to height clearance.
Learn more about trucks and trailers by visiting Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales website or calling 641-985-2536.
